Tshwane, 9 June 2026 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) secured the seizure of 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.
Today’s interception on the KwaZulu-Natal coast follows closely on the heels of another major seizure just three days earlier, where about 90 kg of cocaine concealed in excavators from Brazil was intercepted at the same port. These operations point to intensified efforts by organised crime syndicates to move narcotics through South Africa’s trade gateways, matched by a coordinated and firm response from law enforcement.
The interception forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between SARS and other international law enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade and transnational organized crime. Through intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies, a container vessel originating from South America was identified for inspection upon arrival at the Durban Harbour.
The Durban Customs team embarked on the vessel, located the container which was below waterline and during the inspection process Customs identified certain parts of the container apparatus were manipulated. This resulted in a more intrusive inspection leading to the detection of concealed narcotics and with a mobile test kit confirming it to be 30 bricks of pure cocaine.
The consignments were identified through intelligence-led profiling and risk assessment by SARS Customs officers. Targeted inspections, supported by detector dogs and on-site verification, resulted in the detection and recovery of the concealed drugs. SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, highlighted the strength of coordinated enforcement across agencies.
“This is what it means to act as one government. SARS and the Hawks are cooperating with one acting on the information and handing over to the Hawks in the one 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,” said Dr Makhubu.
“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,” Dr Makhubu added.
Lieutenant General Nkosi said the results point to focused cooperation between agencies. “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.
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 tighten our response. Those who traffic drugs into this country will be identified, tracked and acted against.”
SARS and its law enforcement partners will continue to strengthen controls at ports of entry. The recent seizures form part of a broader effort to dismantle organised criminal networks and protect legitimate trade.
For media enquiries, contact SARS Media at [email protected] and [email protected].
END
