Tea bags turn out to be concealed rhino horns

SARS Customs intercepted 7.035kg of rhino horn declared as ‘tea bags’ at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.

The discovery was made when customs officials subjected the identified shipment for scanning. During the scanning process images consistent with rhino horn were observed.

Upon a physical inspection the contents of the box were found to include eight pieces of rhino horn wrapped in foil. The rhino horn was concealed among packets of sweets and chocolates. The shipment was destined for Hong Kong via Qatar, Doha.

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