Second major rhino bust in five days

SARS Customs intercepted a consignment of rhino horn worth R1.7 million at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday. The bust follows on the heels of the interception of 7kg of rhino horn last Thursday.

“The discovery was made when Customs officials subjected a box for scanning and detected images consistent with rhino horn. Nine rhino horns cut into different sizes and weighing 13.2 kg were found. The consignment was en route to Hong Kong‚” said SARS spokesman Sandile Memela.

• Rhino horn destined for Hong Kong is confiscated at Johannesburg airportSouth African Revenue Service customs officials have intercepted 7.035kg of rhino horn declared as "tea bags" at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport.

He said the goods had been handed over to the South African Police Service and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS) for further investigation.