Man Arrested at OR Tambo Airport for Trying to Smuggle Rhino Horns Declared as Chocolates to China

A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connections with a consignment of of rhino horns at OR Tambo International Airport.

Hawks officials and members of the Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Department were summoned on Thursday when a security officer operating scanners at the airport flagged a suspicious parcel

The consignment destined for Shandong province in China was allegedly declared as Ferrero and Cadbury chocolates.

The Hawks Philani Nkwalase said the suspect is expected to appear at the Kempton Park Court on Tuesday.

“Upon examining the parcel, the team found six pieces of Rhino horns inside two chocolates boxes of lunch bar. A thorough investigation by the Hawks led to the arrest of the suspect and an undisclosed amount of money was found hidden under the driver seat of his vehicle.”