Nearly a million US dollars (R13.8-million) were found hidden in the luggage of a male passenger at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday.
South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officers intercepted the suspected currency smuggler in possession of 997 750 US dollars which equates to R13 798 882.
The male passenger had a backpack in his possession at the time. During initial interactions, the officers conducted a physical inspection of the backpack, and in the process, the passenger confirmed he also had one checked-in bag.
The officers proceeded to retrieve the bag and instructed the passenger to go into the Customs search area, where he was further interviewed.
During the interview, he admitted to be in possession of foreign currency but he attempted to downplay the amount. It was, however, discovered that most of the foreign currency had been concealed at the bottom of two bags.
When he failed to provide a credible explanation for the currency, the officers apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police
