The South African Revenue Services (SARS) Durban Customs office conducted a collaborative intelligence operation led at the Durban Harbour in the early hours of  Sunday morning. The operation resulted in the seizure of 30 bricks of Suspected Narcotics that were in Reefer Refrigeration Unit of the vessel with the estimated street value of R65 million.

The drugs were handed over to South African Police Service (SAPS), Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for further investigation, prosecution and destruction.

At approximately 02:45 Durban Customs Enforcement Team Launched the Customs Marine Unit Patrol Vessel to go and intercept the Motor Vessel near the Fairway Bouy at Outer Anchorage about four kilometers of the East Coast of Durban.

The Enforcement Team intercepted the vessel as it was entering the port and escorted it to its berth. The Enforcement Team Boarded the Vessel, interviewed the Master of the Vessel, and examined documentation to identify the location of a profiled container.

The Vessel was thoroughly searched 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.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter expressed his gratitude to the SARS Customs and other law enforcement agencies for their salutary work.

“Customs demonstrated its courage by working so hard and focused in the midst of the night to intercept this vessel. 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.”