Customs officials discovered 15.4 kilograms of ephedrine with an estimated street value of R4.6 million in the bag of a passenger who is said to be a local actress who had arrived from Abu Dhabi, SARS said on Monday.
SA Revenue Services spokesperson Luther Lebelo said the bag was found on Sunday at OR Tambo International Airport.
“The passenger, who was proceeding through the ‘Nothing to declare channel-Green channel’ was stopped by customs officials for her bags to be scanned,” said Lebelo.
Lebelo said the scanning of her one bag showed up suspicious images. It was only after further investigation and searching of the bag that officials discovered 15 parcels wrapped in carbon or foil-like material hidden in the luggage.
Immediate tests conducted by SARS officials confirmed that the suspected substance was ephedrine, which is the main ingredient in crystal meth.
Lebelo said the narcotics and passenger, identified as a South African actress, were detained and subsequently handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime department for further investigation.
The details of the passenger will only be released once she has appeared in court. She is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
