South African police officers stationed at Durban Harbour have once again dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking, intercepting cocaine with an estimated street value of R151 million. The dedicated team is unyielding in its efforts to dismantle the operations of international organized crime syndicates engaged in the illicit drug trade.
The latest success unfolded on Monday, December 4, 2023, when law enforcement members acted on intelligence reports and closely monitored a container arriving from Brazil. A multidisciplinary team conducted a thorough inspection at a cold storage facility, revealing 433 blocks of cocaine meticulously concealed within meat boxes.
No immediate arrests were made at the scene, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has assumed control of the ongoing investigation. This marks the third substantial drug bust within two months at Durban Harbour, following the seizure of R150 million worth of cocaine by the same team in October.
The relentless pursuit of criminals engaged in drug trafficking has prompted collaborative efforts on an international scale. General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), recently engaged in discussions with Andrei Passos Rodrigues, the Police Chief of the Brazilian Federal Police, during the Interpol Annual General Meeting in Vienna. The meeting focused on addressing the surge of drugs into South Africa through Brazilian ports.
A commitment was made to strengthen cooperation between the two nations, building on the success of information sharing related to drugs and other criminal activities. The collaboration aims to counteract international crime syndicates and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts against transnational criminal networks. As investigations into the recent cocaine seizure continue, the authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of those involved in drug trafficking at Durban Harbour.
