DURBAN – Major Drug Bust at Durban Harbour
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Durban Customs office conducted a collaborative intelligence-led operation at the Durban Harbour in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in the seizure of 30 bricks of suspected narcotics concealed inside a reefer refrigeration unit aboard a cargo vessel.
The confiscated substances are estimated to have a street value of approximately R65 million.
Coordinated Marine Interception
At around 02:45 AM, the Durban Customs Enforcement Team launched the Customs Marine Unit Patrol Vessel to intercept the targeted motor vessel near the Fairway Buoy at Outer Anchorage, roughly four kilometres off the East Coast of Durban.
The team successfully intercepted the vessel as it was entering the port and escorted it to its berth for a full inspection.
Upon boarding, officers interviewed the vessel’s master, reviewed cargo documentation, and located a profiled container identified through intelligence reports.
A thorough search led to the discovery of bricks of suspected narcotics hidden in the refrigeration unit, confirming the intelligence tip-off.
Drugs Handed Over for Further Investigation
Following the seizure, the narcotics were immediately handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI – Hawks) for further investigation, prosecution, and destruction.
Authorities are now working to trace the origin and intended destination of the drugs as part of a broader transnational crime investigation.
Commissioner Commends Customs’ Dedication
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the Customs Enforcement Team and partner law enforcement agencies for their dedication and swift action in executing the operation.
“Customs demonstrated its courage by working so hard and focused in the midst of the night to intercept this vessel,” Kieswetter said.
“This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals bent on shipping harmful substances that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants.”
Strengthening Border Security
This latest seizure highlights SARS’s ongoing commitment to tightening border control, combating drug trafficking, and protecting South Africa’s ports of entry.
The agency continues to collaborate closely with the SAPS, DPCI, and international law enforcement agencies to dismantle organized crime networks operating across regional and global trade routes.
