The Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, working with SAPS Operational Response Services, seized 265 bricks of cocaine with an estimated street value of R111 million from a vessel at Durban Harbour on Saturday, according to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo. The drugs were discovered concealed in canvas bags aboard a ship ferrying trucks, and no arrests have been made following the bust.
Details Of The Operation And Ongoing Investigation
Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo stated, “On Saturday, the Hawks team and SAPS Operational Response Services were alerted about a suspicious consignment in a vessel that was ferrying trucks. The team arrived at the said place and recovered canvas bags with 265 bricks of cocaine.” Nxumalo added that, “The drugs have an estimated value of R111 million. Preliminary investigation was conducted and the owners of the shipment could not be located.”
According to the Hawks, the seizure forms part of continued efforts to combat major drug trafficking through South Africa’s ports. Investigators are conducting follow-up work to determine the intended destination of the drugs and identify those responsible for the shipment.
Durban Harbour’s Role In South Africa’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking
Durban Harbour has emerged as a focal point for large-scale drug smuggling operations in South Africa. In June 2021, the Hawks confiscated 541 kilograms of cocaine valued at over R243 million at a container depot in Isipingo, while a separate operation in August 2021 resulted in the seizure of 999 bricks of cocaine weighing 1,000 kilograms and worth an estimated R500 million. These repeated drug busts highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in intercepting sophisticated trafficking syndicates using the country’s major ports of entry.
The latest seizure underscores concerns about the increasing volumes of drugs passing through Durban Harbour and the resource-intensive investigations required to disrupt these criminal networks. Authorities have appealed to the public to report any information that may assist in tracing those linked to the latest shipment.
The Hawks confirmed that investigations continue, with further developments to be announced as soon as suspects are identified or arrests are made.