Cocaine worth R36 million found at Durban harbour

The directorate for priority crime investigations (the Falcons) seized about 90 kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of R36 million at the Durban port.

The drugs were found on June 6 in two excavators that were on the ship Neptune Ace Tokyo from Santos in Brazil arrived at the Q and R car terminal.

Members of the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (Saneb), which forms part of the Hawks’ unit for serious organized crime investigations in Durban, were informed by a customs officer about the suspected drugs.

Col. Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Falcons, says a thorough investigation of one of the excavators revealed suspicious packages that were hidden in a panel to the engine compartment.

“A total of 47 blocks with a powdery substance, suspected to be cocaine, were found in this excavator. While this scene was still being processed, customs officials discovered another hidden shipment in a second excavator that had already been unloaded from the ship. A further 43 blocks of suspected cocaine were found in this machine.”

According to Mogale, the value of the drugs is estimated at around R400 000 per kilogram.

No arrests have yet been made and the investigation is ongoing.

The seized drugs will be taken to the forensic science laboratory for chemical analysis.

Brig. Zenobia Mulligan, acting provincial head of the Falcons in KwaZulu-Natal, praised the multidisciplinary team for their vigilance and commitment.

“The Falcons remain committed to disrupting transnational drug smuggling networks and protecting South Africa’s ports and border posts from organized crime, even when their integrity is under scrutiny. The Falcons will continue to carry out their mandate without fear or prejudice.”