South African Revenue Services (SARS) customs officials have opened criminal charges against two passengers who attempted to take R6 million worth of undeclared currency out of South Africa through OR Tambo International Airport.
The officials at the Johannesburg-based airport intercepted two passengers travelling to Dubai as they were about to board their flight on Thursday.
Upon inspection of their checked luggage, brown envelopes containing US dollars in their various denominations were found inside.
The currency was equivalent of R6.7 million.
“The case has been opened against them and in fact it is a criminal case, because it is a criminal offence to carry such an amount. And in fact, it is part and parcel of currency smuggling. Hence it has been opened,” explains SARS acting spokesperson Sicelo Mkosi.
