SARS marine unit intercepts R65 million drug cargo off Durban coast

Zuko Komisa

SARS Customs seized R65 million worth of suspected narcotics, hidden in 30 bricks inside a vessel’s refrigeration unit, during a pre-dawn operation at Durban Harbour.
The seizure followed the successful interception of a motor vessel about four kilometres off the coast by the Customs Marine Unit at approximately 02:45 on Sunday.
The drugs were handed to the DPCI for further investigation, with Commissioner Edward Kieswetter commending the teams for protecting South Africa’s borders.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the seizure of suspected narcotics with an estimated street value of R65 million following a dramatic midnight operation at Durban Harbour.

The substantial haul, consisting of 30 bricks of drugs, was discovered by the SARS Customs Marine Unit in the early hours of Sunday morning. The narcotics had been cleverly concealed within the reefer refrigeration unit of a vessel.

Midnight Interception

The operation commenced at approximately 02:45 when the SARS Enforcement Team deployed a marine patrol vessel. They successfully intercepted the motor vessel about four kilometres off the eastern coast of Durban, near the Fairway Buoy.

The vessel was then escorted back to its berth. Upon docking, Customs officials immediately boarded and interviewed the ship’s master while meticulously examining all relevant documentation to trace a flagged container.

Following a detailed search, officers pinpointed the refrigerated container in question. Inside, they uncovered the 30 bricks of suspected drugs, bringing the stealthy smuggling attempt to an end.

The seized narcotics have since been handed over to the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), who will take the lead on the ensuing investigation and potential prosecution.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter lauded the diligence of the Customs and law enforcement teams involved. He stated that their efforts underscore SARS’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s borders and preventing the entry of harmful substances into the country.