During a multidisciplinary operation, 20-litre paint containers containing 200 blocks of cocaine worth R70 million were seized.
A joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Durban Harbour and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in a R70 million drug bust on Wednesday afternoon.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said over the past month, the SAPS Durban Harbour has closely monitored a vessel en route from Brazil to South Africa. Ahead of its arrival at the Port of Durban, law enforcement agents intercepted the vessel and organised a thorough search and seizure operation on the identified containers.
On Wednesday, a comprehensive operation uncovered 200 blocks of cocaine concealed within 20-litre paint containers, ultimately valued at R70 million.
Police Minister Bheki Cele praised the diligent investigative work which had led to the bust.
“We are committed to asserting the authority of the state, and we are fortifying our response and strategies to combat these criminal syndicates,” he said.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, emphasised the increasing momentum of the National Safer Festive Season Operations.
“Kudos to the team for intercepting these concealed drugs. This marks the beginning of our efforts during the festive season. Just last week, we seized R75 million worth of counterfeit goods in Cape Town.
“Our crackdown on illegal activities will persist nationwide, with a specific focus on organised crime syndicates. This investigation will also delve into the source and destination of these drugs to facilitate arrests,” said General Masemola.
Earlier in the day, Mr Cele and his delegation visited the family of Warrant Officer Sthembiso Mazibuko, who died during an operation in Ntuzuma on Tuesday. Warrant Officer Mazibuko, with 17 years of service, a member of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) with 17 years of service, had been part of a team responding to information received about house robberies and other serious crimes in Ntuzuma.
The delegation also visited an injured officer from the same operation in the hospital, where they conveyed well wishes for his swift recovery.