SARS and Hawks seize 30 bricks of cocaine at Port of Durban in second major bust

South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) have seized 30 bricks of pure cocaine at the Port of Durban, intercepting the consignment from a container vessel that originated in South America. The operation, carried out on Tuesday, is described by authorities as the second major narcotics bust at the KwaZulu-Natal port in less than a week.

How the shipment was uncovered

SARS said the vessel was identified through “intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies” and was inspected upon arrival at Durban Harbour. Durban Customs officers boarded the ship and located the container below the waterline. During inspection, officials noticed signs that parts of the container apparatus had been tampered with, prompting a more intrusive search.

That inspection, supported by detector dogs and on-site verification, led to the detection of concealed narcotics. A mobile test kit confirmed the substance to be 30 bricks of pure cocaine.

Context and recent related seizure

Authorities characterised the seizure as a “multi-million-rand narcotics bust.” It followed another significant interception three days earlier, when officials intercepted approximately 90kg of cocaine concealed in excavators arriving from Brazil.

Statements from SARS and the Hawks

“The interception forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between SARS and other international law enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade and transnational organised crime. Through intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies, a container vessel originating from South America was identified for inspection upon arrival at Durban Harbour,”

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and acting national head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, emphasised coordinated enforcement across agencies. Dr Makhubu said:

“This is what it means to act as one government. SARS and the Hawks are cooperating, with one acting on the information and handing it over to the Hawks as part of a single value chain. These interceptions show that we are disrupting and closing down the space for criminal networks to operate. We are strengthening monitoring at our ports through improved cargo profiling and targeted inspections. Our message is clear: South Africa’s borders are not open to illicit trade.”

Dr Makhubu added:

“Drugs are destroying families, communities and the country as a whole. This is not a localised problem; it cuts across every sector of society. We will continue to act with our partners to dismantle these networks and protect our economy and our people,”

Lieutenant General Nkosi said:

“These successes are the result of disciplined cooperation. When we pool our capabilities, we are better able to detect, intercept and investigate complex criminal operations. Drug trafficking is not only a law enforcement issue; it is a national threat. It fuels violence, weakens communities and harms our children.”

He added:

“We will pursue those responsible wherever they operate, both locally and across borders, and hold them accountable. Law enforcement is working as a single front to strengthen our response. Those who traffic drugs into this country will be identified, tracked and acted against,”

Ongoing response

According to the joint statement from SARS and the Hawks, the recent seizures form part of broader efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks and protect legitimate trade. The agencies warned that transnational organised crime syndicates are increasingly targeting South Africa’s maritime trade gateways and said the operations demonstrate a coordinated law enforcement response.