Million rands worth of drugs seized in Isipingo
The Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team along with the members from Durban Harbour and Crime Intelligence Border Security proceeded to the depot where the container, which supposedly had animal food, was identified and a search was conducted.
Cocaine worth R243 million was confiscated during an intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday, 22 June, at a container depot on the Avenue East in Isipingo. The operation came after information on the smuggling of drugs into the country was received. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team along with the members from Durban Harbour and Crime Intelligence Border Security proceeded to the depot where the container, which supposedly had animal food, was identified and a search was conducted.
“Twenty-six canvas bags with Tik Tok and Jaguar brands were found with bricks of cocaine. The drugs weighing 541kg with an estimated value of more than R243 million were confiscated,” said Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase.
An investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent contraband drugs into the country is continuing.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, praised the team about the consignment of drugs uncovered.
“We are closing in on drug cartels. This drug bust shows that there are criminal groupings that are involved in organising the movement of these dangerous dependent-producing substances from one country to the other. While fighting the supply of these substances, we appeal to the community not to demand the supply which will ultimately help in closing the market.”
