Cocaine haul worth R52m busted off Durban coast — SARS seizes big drug ship

SARS

Cape Town – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) conducted a collaborative, intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the detention and seizure of narcotics valued at approximately R52 million.

A statement by SARS said that the operation took place on 3 September when a Customs Marine Patrol vessel intercepted a cargo ship near the Fairway Buoy at the outer anchorage, about four nautical miles off the east coast of Durban.

The vessel was then escorted to the harbour for further inspection.

“Customs enforcement officers boarded the vessel and located a number of containers identified prior to the arrival of the vessel as posing a potential risk for smuggling.

“The inspection resulted in the discovery of 25 large bricks of suspected cocaine hidden in the refrigeration units of several containers.

“A field drug test was conducted and positively identified the goods as cocaine of a very high quality suitable for further dilution and expansion into larger volumes for illicit distribution.

“Customs seized the goods and handed it over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further safe keeping, investigation and prosecution”, said SARS Spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter commended the authorities for their efforts in disrupting the criminal infiltration of narcotics into the country and safeguarding society from its harmful effects.

“This success points to the success of collaboration with our counterparts from Brazil.

It is such collaboration that communicates concrete cooperation within BRICS countries that deal a heavy blow against organised crime syndicates.

This achievement also signals that the efforts by all law enforcement agencies in our county is taking on the challenge of protecting our borders”, said Kieswetter.

 

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