Half a billion Rands worth of drugs seized at Durban Harbour

A TOTAL of 999 bricks of cocaine weighing 1000kgs with a street value of R 500 million were seized at Durban Harbour on July 30.

This according to Colonel Katlego Mogale, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation who said the operation was conducted by the South African Narcotic Enforcement Bureau of the Hawks from Gauteng, National Office and Durban units.

“The container was reported to be containing truck parts destined for SCANIA South Africa. The team proceeded to the said premises and established that Border police’s initial investigations revealed that it would be a ‘Rip on/Rip Off’ situation, where the drugs would be removed from the container clandestinely and the container seal replaced,” said Mogale.

Also read: SAPS seize drugs worth more than R30k in Durban operation

“A subsequent search was conducted  and upon searching the container, several black canvas bags, wrapped in plastic, were placed at the entrance of the container. Upon further investigation, it was established that the container was packed with cocaine bricks contained in the black canvas bags. A duplicate container seal was also found placed inside the container. The balance of the goods in the container were established to be truck cabs destined for the consignee (SCANIA SA),”  added Mogale.

No arrests have been made at this stage and investigations are continuing. “Since March over four tons of cocaine have been seized in South Africa and most of these drugs would have been destined for other countries whilst at least 20% would have remained behind as payment to the traffickers and consumption in the domestic market,” said Mogale.

This case is believed to be linked to a similar drug seizures on July 9 of 715 kgs in Aeroton, Gauteng coming from Durban Port, also guised as Scania truck parts.

“During the seizure of the said consignment, four suspects were arrested including three police officials. Investigations have revealed that the origin of all of these consignments is the Port of Santos in Brazil,” said Mogale.

Also read:Suspects nabbed with drugs worth R58k at Durban flat

Two more seizures were executed at a depo in Isipingo, Durban and an even larger seizure in Gauteng where four suspects were arrested.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Brigadier Devon Naicker on 082 778 2818 and Warrant Officer Brittion on 082 778 2815. Information received will be treated in strictest confidentiality.