Sars seize drugs worth R14.8 million in March

Drugs with an estimated street value of over R14.8 million were prevented from entering South Africa in March after being seized by the SA Revenue Service (Sars), it said on Monday.

"SARS customs and enforcement teams have prevented just over 22[kg] of cocaine, over 23kg ephedrine/crystal methamphetamine and over 7kg [of] heroin from entering the country," deputy spokeswoman Marika Muller said in a statement.

The cocaine had a street value of over R6.4 million, the ephedrine/crystal methamphetamine of over R7 million, and the heroin of over R1.4 million.

"In all cases, the drugs seized and the individuals involved were handed over to the SA Police Service for further action," she said.

Others items seized before entering South Africa included:

-- 37,961 cartons of contraband cigarettes with a street value of over R7.5 million;

-- Over 1200kg of copper wire, concealed in trucks crossing into South Africa at the Beit Bridge border post;

-- Over 2500 "male sexual enhancement" tablets, with a street value of over R250,000;

-- 20 live scorpions, posted from Germany to Cape Town.

Sars also prevented around 73.6kg of dagga mainly destined for the United Kingdom, with a street value of R100,000, and 14.5kg of dried abalone, with a street value of R19,500 destined for Hong Kong, from leaving South Africa.