Drug ingredient found at airport

2009-06-12 18:02

Johannesburg - Ephedrine with an estimated street value of R3.6m was seized at the OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, South African Revenue Service customs said in a statement.

"Ephedrine is regarded as the base for most narcotics and is utilised frequently in the manufacturing of Mandrax," Sars said.

The shipment had arrived from Sao Paulo.

"The first consignment of five kilograms of ephedrine was discovered in a vehicle belonging to a courier company operating at the airport," Sars said.

Flight to Dubai

However, a waybill accompanying the consignment indicated that the entire cache of ephedrine had not been located.

"Upon further investigation the dog unit was able to trace the remaining six kilograms to a container that was to be loaded onto a flight bound for Dubai later this afternoon.

"We are very proud of the work that our customs dog unit contributes towards better border management.

"In light of the Confederations Cup, we are aware that there may be increased attempts to move narcotics into the country and we will ensure that we are able to assist in securing a safe and enjoyable Confederations Cup as indicated to Fifa in our guarantee," said Gene Ravele, head of customs and border management.

More forensic testing

The ephedrine will be moved to the state warehouse for further forensic testing following which an investigation will be launched, Sars said.

In another development on Friday, the dog unit was involved in the successful seizure of 65 cases of cigarettes in a private storage facility in Marlboro, Sandton. Each case contains 50 cartons of 500 packets of cigarettes.

"The illegal cigarettes, with a value of R422 500 were found to have incorrect health warnings and also did not have the diamond stamp that certifies cigarettes that can be legally sold in South Africa," Sars said.
 

- SAPA