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JOHANNESBURG, Jan.4 (Xinhua) – The South African Police Service (SAPS) said Monday that it arrested three suspects who tried to smuggle gold weighing 73.5 kg worth R61 million (4.2 million US dollars) .
Police said the trio were arrested with gold and foreign currency in their carry-on luggage at the international arrivals terminals at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
“The trio had just flown to South Africa from Madagascar and were heading to Dubai via Ethiopia last week when they were arrested. After questioning the suspects and conducting a further inspection of their carry-on luggage, officials discovered the gold bars and some foreign currency. “said police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe.
She said gold bullion and foreign currency of an undisclosed amount have been seized for further investigation.
The matter has been taken up by the SAPS organized crime unit for criminal investigations. SAPS has been in contact with Interpol and authorities in several countries to determine the legitimacy of the certification documents provided by the three suspects. Final product
