Thokozile Mnguni
A major drug operation was carried out at Durban Harbour after cocaine was discovered hidden inside heavy machinery.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), through its Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit and the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), worked with Customs, the Durban Vehicle Processing Organisation (VPO) and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) during the operation.
About 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of R36 million, was seized.
Colonel Mogale said SANEB members attached to Durban SOCI were alerted by a Customs official. The alert related to suspected cocaine concealed within an excavator.
The machine had arrived at the Q and R Car Terminal aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo from Santos, Brazil.
Customs officials handed the matter over to DPCI members upon arrival.
“Colonel Katlego Mogale said a detailed inspection of the excavator uncovered concealed packages inside a panel leading to the engine compartment. Officers found 47 blocks of a powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.
Mogale said while the first machine was being processed, a second concealment was reported on another excavator already offloaded from the vessel.
“A follow-up inspection led to the recovery of a further 43 blocks of suspected cocaine. In total, about 90 kilograms were seized, with an estimated value of R400,000 per kilogram,” said Colonel Mogale.
No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, and the substances will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.
Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) remains committed to tackling organised drug trafficking at South Africa’s ports of entry.
“The DPCI remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and safeguarding South Africa’s ports of entry from organised criminal activities. The DPCI will continue executing its mandate without fear or favour,” she said.