On 03 June 2022, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs unit working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle rhino horn out of the country after receiving information about the suspicious luggage en-route to Abu Dhabi.
The Customs team responded by dispatching officers to the baggage area where the luggage was scanned, revealing images. Two items of luggage wrapped in plastic were taken to the Customs search area, where the luggage was rescanned and searched. Upon inspection, seventeen (17) pieces of rhino horn, weighing 25kg were found. The SAPS took the passenger to the International Police Station. The goods were handed to the SAPS for further investigations.