Image Source: SABC News
Local – Thirty bricks of suspected narcotics were seized during a joint intelligence operation led by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the Durban Harbour on Sunday morning.
The drugs, estimated to be worth R65 million, were found hidden inside the refrigeration unit of a shipping container aboard a vessel intercepted off the East Coast.
According to SARS, “On [Sunday morning], Durban Customs Enforcement Team launched the Customs Marine Unit Patrol Vessel – Striker to go and intercept the Motor Vessel near the Fairway Buoy at Outer Anchorage about 4 Nautical Miles off the East Coast of Durban.”
The enforcement team intercepted the vessel and escorted it into port. Once docked, officers boarded and interviewed the ship’s master before examining documentation to locate a profiled container.
“The vessel was rummaged by the enforcement team, and the container was located on the vessel, where the refrigeration unit was examined. This resulted in one positive detection of bricks of suspected narcotics,” the statement said.
The operation formed part of SARS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and clamp down on smuggling through major ports.
The Durban Harbour, one of South Africa’s busiest trade points, has often been targeted by syndicates attempting to move narcotics and contraband.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the enforcement teams for their coordinated effort.
“Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and focussed at the death of the night to intercept this vessel,” Kieswetter said.
He added that the success of the operation reflected SARS’s broader commitment to protecting the country’s borders.
“This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals that are bent on shipping harmful substances that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants.”
