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Tik worth R40 million intercepted at OR Tambo

Blocks confiscated at OR Tambo that tested positive for crystal meth.

SARS


Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) seized 67 pieces of calcium hydroxide used to produce crystal methamphetamine, locally known as 'tik'.

The boxes weighing 132.41kg and valued at R40-million, was recently intercepted at a cargo terminal at the OR Tambo International Airport.

According to a statement issued by SARS, the Dog Unit was deployed for a routine inspection on an incoming cargo flight when they noticed a nervous-looking driver unloading two boxes into a vehicle.

The driver was approached and the officers requested an inspection.

The officers found 67 blocks of an unknown substance that originated from Addis Ababa that were declared as personal effects.

Officials had a drug test kit on hand and soon established that the goods tested positive for crystal meth.

The Hawks were alerted and re-tested the substance that also tested positive for calcium hydroxide.

Calcium hydroxide is commonly used in the preparation of ammonia gas and is widely used in food production.

The importer and the driver were both arrested.