A joint law enforcement operation has intercepted approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed inside imported excavators at Durban Harbour, marking the latest major drug seizure at one of South Africa’s busiest ports.
The drugs, with an estimated street value of R36 million, were discovered on Saturday during an operation involving the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Customs officials, Durban Visible Policing Operations (VPO), and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
According to the Hawks, members of the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) were alerted by a customs official to suspected cocaine hidden inside an excavator that had arrived at the Q and R Car Terminal aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo from Santos, Brazil.
Hawks Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan said the scene was handed over to DPCI investigators, who conducted a detailed inspection of the machine.
“Upon inspection, suspicious packages were discovered concealed within a panel leading to the engine compartment,” Mulligan said.
Further examination led to the seizure of 47 blocks containing a powdered substance suspected to be cocaine.
While investigators were still processing the first scene, customs officials identified a second excavator from the same vessel that was also suspected of concealing drugs.
A follow-up inspection uncovered an additional 43 blocks of suspected cocaine hidden within the machine.
In total, authorities seized approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine. Based on an estimated value of R400,000 per kilogram, the haul has a street value of around R36 million.
No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing.
The seized substances will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for chemical analysis and confirmation.
The latest seizure is the second significant cocaine bust at Durban Harbour within weeks.
Last month, police recovered cocaine worth approximately R13 million hidden inside the air-conditioning compartment of imported buses destined for Gauteng. Authorities said the buses had been shipped from a South American country and were intercepted during an intelligence-driven operation at the port.
The recurring discoveries have once again highlighted Durban Harbour’s role as a key battleground in the fight against transnational drug trafficking networks using commercial cargo shipments to move narcotics into South Africa.
Mulligan praised the multi-disciplinary team involved in the operation and reaffirmed the DPCI’s commitment to disrupting organised crime.
“The DPCI remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and safeguarding South Africa’s ports of entry from organised criminal activities, even when their integrity is under scrutiny,” she said.
Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as investigations into the origin and intended destination of the shipment continue.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
