CAPE TOWN: The South African man was about to depart for Dubai when he was intercepted and taken to the search area where Customs officers scanned his luggage, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Currency in US dollars, valued at R4 595 344, was found hidden in sweet containers, milk powder tins and soap boxes under clothing. The passenger failed to give a valid reason or produce documentary proof of the origin of the currency. The currency was detained and the passenger was arrested for smuggling of currency.
This currency bust at OR Tambo International Airport was the latest in a string of busts which have netted SARS Customs goods valued at close to R400-million since January 1.
Six currency busts had been made at the airport since January 1 with a combined value of over R27-million.