R7m found in airport luggage
Sars seized suitcases stuffed with R7 million in currency at King Shaka International Airport this week.
|||Durban - The SA Revenue Service (Sars) seized suitcases stuffed with R7 million in at King Shaka International Airport this week.
Sars spokesman, Sandile Memela, said: “Sars custom 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.”
On investigation, Memela said officials found that the owner of the bags had changed the bags’ final destination without making a declaration to customs.
Sars then sent the bags for a luggage scan.
The scanners revealed the bags were filled with South African banknotes totalling R7 049 320.
According to the Sars website, a passenger is only allowed to carry a maximum of R25 000 whether they are coming in or going out of the country.
“The passenger and consignment were handed over to the SAPS,” Memela said.
Police spokeswoman, Lieutenant Nqobile Gwala, said a 46-year-old man “was arrested and charged in terms of the Currency and Exchange Act”.
She said he would appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court.
Daily News