SARS and Hawks seize 30 bricks of cocaine at Durban Port days after 90kg drug bust

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) have dealt another significant blow to drug trafficking networks with the seizure of 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.

The burst comes only three days after authorities confiscated approximately 90kg of cocaine hidden in trucks that had arrived from Brazil at the same port.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, SARS Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade and transnational organised crime through intelligence-led investigations and cooperation with local and international law enforcement agencies.

Officials identified a container vessel arriving from South America for inspection after it was flagged through risk profiling and targeting processes. Customs officers boarded the vessel and located the container, which was positioned below the waterline.

During the inspection, authorities noticed signs that parts of the container had been tampered with. A more detailed search led to the discovery of concealed narcotics. Testing later confirmed that the substance was pure cocaine packaged into 30 bricks.

The drugs were detected through intelligence-led profiling and risk assessments conducted by SARS Customs officials, supported by detector dogs and on-site verification procedures.

Makhubu, said the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of cooperation between government agencies in tackling organised crime.

He said SARS and the Hawks were working seamlessly as part of a unified law enforcement effort to disrupt criminal syndicates and strengthen monitoring at South Africa’s ports through improved cargo profiling and targeted inspections.

Makhubu warned that illicit drugs continue to devastate families and communities, stressing that authorities remain committed to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting the country’s economy and citizens.

Nkosi described drug trafficking as a national threat that fuels violence and weakens communities. He said the latest successes were the result of disciplined cooperation between agencies and pledged that law enforcement would continue pursuing those responsible for trafficking drugs into South Africa, whether they operate locally or internationally.

Authorities said the recent seizures form part of a broader strategy to tighten controls at ports of entry, dismantle organised criminal networks, protect legitimate trade and safeguard communities across the country.