The SA Revenue Service (SARS), working closely with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has seized 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.

Tuesday’s (June 9) interception follows closely on the heels of another seizure just three days earlier, during which approximately 90kg of cocaine concealed in trucks arriving from Brazil was intercepted at the same port.

Colonel Katlego Mogale, spokesperson of Hawks, said, “The interception forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between SARS and both local and international law enforcement partners to combat illicit trade and transnational organised crime. Through intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies, a container vessel originating from South America was identified for inspection upon arrival at the Port of Durban.”

Also read: R36m suspected cocaine bust at Durban Harbour

The Durban Customs team reportedly boarded the vessel and located the targeted container, which was positioned below the waterline.

“During the inspection process, Customs officials identified signs that parts of the container apparatus had been tampered with. This prompted a more intrusive inspection, which led to the discovery of concealed narcotics. A mobile testing kit subsequently confirmed the substance to be 30 bricks of pure cocaine,” said Mogale.

SARS Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu, and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, highlighted the strength of co-ordinated enforcement efforts across government agencies.

Also read: Third major drug bust at Durban Harbour

“We are strengthening monitoring at our ports through improved cargo profiling and targeted inspections. Our message is clear: South Africa’s borders are not open to illicit trade.

“Drugs are destroying families, communities and the country as a whole. This is not a localised problem; it cuts across every sector of society. We will continue to work with our partners to dismantle these networks and protect our economy and our people,” Dr Makhubu added.

Also read: R13m worth of cocaine recovered at Durban Harbour

Nkosi said the results underscore the value of focused co-operation between agencies.
“Drug trafficking is not only a law enforcement issue; it is a national threat. It fuels violence, weakens communities and harms our children,” Nkosi said.

He concluded that the agencies would pursue those responsible wherever they operate, both locally and across borders, and would be identified, tracked and brought to book.

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