SARS thwarts attempt to smuggle rhino horns

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"The horns weighed approximately 10.5kg and are worth more than R3m. Rhinoceros are a Cites-protected species," said the revenue service on Wednesday, 23 December.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) is an international agreement between governments aimed ensuring international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

SARS customs officials found the horns in a shipment of taxidermy that had been profiled for examination at a well-known cargo forwarding company. The company was unable to provide the required export documentation upon request.

"The forwarding company subsequently contacted and requested the required export documentation from the owner of the shipment, but no response was received within 24 hours. Because no documents were made available, the destiny of the horn could not be established," said SARS.

The revenue service handed over the horns to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for further investigation.