An intelligence-driven operation led by members of the Durban Harbour police and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in KZN, has led to the recovery of R70m worth of cocaine at the port yesterday.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said for the past month, Durban Harbour police members have been monitoring and keeping surveillance on a vessel that was making its way to South Africa from Brazil.

“Prior to the vessel arriving at the Port of Durban, members intercepted the identified vessel and mobilised various units and resources to conduct a search-and-seizure operation on the identified containers,” she said.

Mathe added that police seized 20l paint containers containing 200 blocks of cocaine worth R70m.

The management of SAPS, led by Minister of Police General Bheki Cele, commended the meticulous investigative work at play.

“We will continue to stamp the authority of the state, we are strengthening our response and our strategy in dealing with these syndicates,” added Cele.

General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, said the National Safer Festive Season Operations are gaining momentum.

“Well done to the team for intercepting these drugs that were hidden in paint containers. This is only the beginning of our safer festive operations. Just last week we confiscated R75m worth of counterfeit goods in Cape Town.

“We will continue to intercept these illicit activities throughout the country. We are heightening and intensifying our fight against crime, especially organised crime syndicates. This particular investigation will focus on the origin and destination of the drugs to ensure we effect arrests,” concluded Masemola.