Abalone worth R1.6m seized at Lebombo border
It is alleged that the intention was to illegally import the abalone into South Africa from Mozambique.
Dried abalone worth R1.6m, hidden in a taxi trailer at the Lebombo border, was recently been seized by South African Revenue Services (Sars) customs officers.
In a statement by Sars, it said the intention was to illegally import the abalone into South Africa from Mozambique and that the abalone was packed in 21 boxes and weighed 460 kilograms.
“The driver of the taxi is currently in police custody and the abalone was handed over to the police for further investigation,” said the statement.
“When the investigation is concluded, the police will hand over the vehicle to Sars for further customs’ procedures.”
Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the customs officers for their vigilance and dedication to fulfilling the revenue service’s mandate of combating illicit trade, whether it is in the form of imports or exports.
“Our customs officers are committed to making it hard and costly for smugglers and to protecting South Africa’s economy. Any attempt to use our country as a springboard for illicit activities will be fiercely resisted. In this case, the officers have demonstrated their commitment to preventing the illicit trade in protected and endangered species,” said Kieswetter.
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