Bidvest security guards arrested a foreign National at OR Tambo International Airport after his luggage was found to be suspicious.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Captain Bonnie Nxumalo said the Germiston-based Hawks' Economic Protected Resources Team was alerted of this suspicious luggage and they swiftly responded. 

The suspect was about to leave South Africa, boarding a flight to Vietnam via Qatar. "Police further seized foreign currency, a cellphone and two passports. During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that it is the carcasses of five lions," said Nxumalo.

Nxumalo said the suspect will be charged for illegal dealing in wildlife, possession of lion bones and contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).

"The Hawks, Bidvest security, Crime Intelligence and an official from the Department of Environmental Affairs were at the scene," said Nxumalo.

An investigation seeking to arrest more suspects is continuing.The suspect will appear in court tomorrow.