Durban - Since the start of 2018, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) Customs unit has recovered illegal goods to the value of almost R400 million.

The most recent bust at the Oliver Tambo International Airport on March 6, was the latest in a total of six currency busts since 1 January with a combined value of over R27 million.

The unit said in the bust, a South African man, about to depart for Dubai, was intercepted and taken to the search area where Customs officers scanned his luggage.

“Currency in US dollars, valued at R4 595 344, was found hidden in sweet containers, milk powder tins and soap boxes under clothing. The passenger failed to give a valid reason or produce documentary proof of origin for the currency. The currency was detained and the passenger was arrested for smuggling of currency,” the unit said in a statement.