JOHANNESBURG: In just under a week South African Revenue Service (Sars) has uncovered massive amounts of Viagra, Mandrax and Cocaine with an estimated collective value of R48,8 million.
Officials made four separate busts with the most recent one last night, when the Lebombo Dog Unit discovered R3 million worth of Mandrax hidden in a truck entering South Africa from Mozambique.
A woman was found with more than 4kg of Cocaine valued at over R1,2 million hidden in books at OR Tambo International Airport.
Sars says these seizures show its commitment to combating organised crime in the country.
Sars spokesperson Luther Lebelo said, “All these happened in the past few days. We are grateful because this demonstrates the success the new Sars commissioner has put in our port of entries in terms of resources, systems and processes.”
COCAINE AND VIAGRA BUST
Earlier this month Cocaine to the value of R7 million was seized during a bust by customs officials at OR Tambo airport.
Sars said 26,4kg of cocaine was found wrapped in brown tape and disguised as body cream in luggage which originated from Brazil and was destined for London.
Lebelo said nobody was arrested.
“Because it was discovered as luggage, no one was arrested.”
At the same time, Sars officials at the national mail distribution centre had confiscated 40,000 Viagra tablets posted to South Africa from Hong Kong.
“They were declared as false plastic toys.” said Lebelo.
