SARS Seizes R65 Million Worth of Narcotics in Major Durban Harbour Operation

A routine marine patrol turned into a major drug interception this week when the South African Revenue Service (SARS) uncovered narcotics worth an estimated R65 million hidden aboard a vessel at Durban Harbour.

The bust, carried out on Sunday morning, came as part of a collaborative intelligence operation involving SARS’ Customs Enforcement and Marine Units.

The Discovery at Sea

According to SARS, the Customs Marine Unit patrol vessel Striker was launched to intercept a motor vessel approaching the coast, roughly four nautical miles off Durban’s Outer Anchorage.

Once the ship was secured and guided to port, officers conducted interviews with the ship’s master, reviewed shipping documentation, and examined the cargo. It was during this inspection that thirty bricks of suspected narcotics were discovered, concealed within the refrigeration unit of one of the containers on board.

Officials described the operation as “precise, coordinated, and intelligence-driven,” highlighting the level of detail and timing required to execute the seizure successfully.

SARS Praises Teamwork and Dedication

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter applauded the customs and enforcement teams for their “gallantry and focus,” noting that their vigilance prevented harmful substances from entering South African communities.

“Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and focused at the death of the night to intercept this vessel,” Kieswetter said. “This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals bent on shipping harmful substances that cause unmitigated suffering.”

A Growing Trend at South African Ports

This latest bust underscores a growing trend of drug smuggling attempts through South Africa’s major ports, particularly Durban Harbour, which remains one of the busiest on the continent.

In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to clamp down on international trafficking networks that use shipping containers and refrigeration units to conceal narcotics. The seizure also comes amid an uptick in multi-agency collaborations aimed at strengthening border control and protecting the country’s trade routes.

The successful operation reinforces SARS’ ongoing message: border security is not just about trade regulation but also about protecting South Africans from the hidden costs of global crime.

{Source:The South African}

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