Over 30 Pieces of Rhino Horns Seized at OR Tambo Airport Worth Over R23-Million

PRETORIA – Over 30 pieces of rhino horns were seized at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) Thursday morning during an on-going operation into ridding the airport of criminal activities.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement that recent reports of the detection of Rhino Horns in the East, originating from Southern Africa, led to increased enforcement interventions on outbound flights at the Cargo area of ORTIA.

This morning, while performing K9 searches at several cargo warehouses, the K9 members arrived at certain warehouse where export consignments were packed to be shipped out.

K9 detector dog reacted positively to a shipment destined for the Middle East

The K9 detector dog reacted positively to a shipment destined to a destination in the Middle East.

Upon physical examination the consignment was found to be containing door mats as well as cut and laminated ply wood.

Further examination revealed over 30 pieces of rhino horn wrapped in plastic concealed under the laminated wood pieces!

Over 30 pieces of rhino horn wrapped in plastic concealed under the laminated wood pieces

SAPS said in its statement that successes such as this, are a culmination of efforts that form part of the new revised multi-disciplinary team strategy that has been implemented at the airport under the leadership of Major General Dimakatso Ndaba which involves the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence, Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, Airports Company South Africa, O R Tambo International Airport, State Security Agency and other role players.

The statement did not mention any arrests.

If you see or know anything, please call Crime Stop on 0860010111. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with strictest confidence. SAPS urges the people of South Africa to continue supporting police efforts in the fight against crime.