SARS and the Hawks seized 30 bricks of pure cocaine from a vessel that arrived at the Port of Durban on Tuesday, three days after a separate bust of roughly 90 kg of cocaine linked to trucks from Brazil, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced on its Facebook page.
The operation was launched after customs officials, guided by “intelligence‑led risk profiling”, earmarked the ship for inspection, according to a SARS statement. Inspectors found a container below the waterline that showed signs of tampering and, with the aid of detector dogs, uncovered the concealed bricks, which later tested as pure cocaine.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Acting Hawks National Head Lt Gen Sphesihle Nkosi praised the raid, saying it demonstrates the importance of coordinated action against drug trafficking and organised crime. The officials added that the agencies will keep tightening security at South Africa’s ports of entry and continue collaborating with international partners to disrupt criminal networks.
| Date | Location | Quantity seized | Modus operandi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three days before the Durban seizure | Port of Durban (trucks from Brazil) | ≈ 90 kg | Cocaine hidden in trucks |
| Tuesday (current seizure) | Port of Durban (vessel from South America) | 30 bricks | Concealed in a waterline container, detected by dogs |
The table shows the two recent cocaine interceptions at Durban, both involving different concealment methods but resulting in significant quantities being seized.
The SARS statement noted that the recent find was the result of “targeted inspection” after the container was flagged for irregularities. The use of detector dogs was described as “instrumental” in locating the hidden cocaine bricks.
Authorities indicated that the seizures form part of an ongoing effort to curb drug smuggling through South African ports. No arrests or further details about the crew or owners of the vessel were disclosed in the post. The agencies reiterated their commitment to work with foreign law‑enforcement bodies to trace the source of the shipments.
The next step, as outlined by SARS, is to maintain heightened surveillance and risk‑assessment protocols at entry points, aiming to prevent further infiltration of illicit substances into the country.