Durban: The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has successfully seized 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban. This operation marks a significant interception following a previous seizure of approximately 90 kg of cocaine concealed in trucks arriving from Brazil, just three days earlier at the same port.
According to South African Government News Agency, these recent operations highlight the intensified efforts by organized crime syndicates to transport narcotics through South Africa's trade gateways. This has been met with a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. The interception is part of ongoing collaborative efforts between SARS and both local and international law enforcement partners to combat illicit trade and transnational organized crime.
The cocaine was discovered through intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies. A container vessel originating from South America was singled out for inspection upon its arrival at the Port of Durban. The Durban Customs team, in its inspection, found the targeted container positioned below the waterline. Signs of tampering in the container apparatus led to an intrusive inspection, which uncovered the concealed narcotics. A mobile testing kit confirmed the substance to be 30 bricks of pure cocaine.
SARS Commissioner Dr. Johnstone Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, emphasized the importance of coordinated enforcement efforts across government agencies. They noted the seamless cooperation between SARS and the Hawks, with one agency acting on intelligence and handing over to the other as part of a single value chain. These interceptions demonstrate efforts to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen monitoring at ports through improved cargo profiling and targeted inspections.
Lieutenant General Nkosi highlighted the value of focused cooperation between agencies, stating that drug trafficking is a national threat that fuels violence, weakens communities, and harms children. He emphasized the commitment to pursuing those responsible, both locally and across borders, to hold them accountable.
SARS and law enforcement partners will continue to strengthen controls at all ports of entry. These recent seizures are part of a broader effort to dismantle organized criminal networks, protect legitimate trade, and safeguard South African communities.
