R7m recovered at King Shaka

THREE suitcases containing R7-million in currency was confiscated at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Sunday.

According to South African Revenue Services spokesman Sandile Memela this marks the airport’s largest currency bust this year.

Memela said that the suitcases were intercepted by customs before they could be smuggled out of the country.

“SARS Customs officers together with a baggage handler became suspicious when three suitcases scheduled for loading at the departing Emirates flight to Amman via Dubai were being removed from the international arrivals hall,” he said.

“Upon investigation, it was established (that) the owner of the bags requested a change on the bags final destination without making a declaration to Customs.”

Memela said that due to the change, Customs officials directed the bags for a luggage scan.

“The scanned images identified were neither clothing nor personal items but South African rand bank notes with total of R7.049-million in the suitcases,” he said.