A South African student en route to Hong Kong has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for being in possession of foreign currency valued almost R10m.
The South African Revenue Service said the woman was arrested earlier this week before boarding her flight.
“On Tuesday this week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs officers intercepted a Hong Kong-bound female student at OR Tambo International Airport, with almost R10-million, $630 000, packed in $50 and $100 bundles in a plastic bag,” said SARS said in a statement.
“The flight was due to leave when the officers intercepted the passenger on the flight. The passenger, a South African female student, who had boarded with two bags as hand luggage, was then alighted with her luggage”.
SARS said the woman initially denied having currency in her possession, but after further questioning, she admitted that she had a substantial amount of money in her backpack.
The woman was arrested pending her court appearance on the charges.
