In a significant operation, KwaZulu-Natal police seized pure cocaine worth R86.5 million (approximately 178kg) at Durban Harbour on Monday, December 2. The contraband was concealed within a shipping container and disguised as kidney beans, marking a sophisticated smuggling attempt originating from Brazil.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) acted on intelligence about a vessel that had departed Brazil in early November. The ship, which made a stop in another country before reaching South Africa, was closely monitored as it anchored off uMhlanga for nearly a week before docking in Durban on Saturday, November 30.
Drugs disguised as legitimate goods
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi explained that the cocaine was crushed and packaged in a manner resembling kidney beans, making it nearly indistinguishable from legitimate cargo. The contraband was stored in ten containers, with marked stickers making it easier for smugglers to identify the shipment.
Following its arrival at the port, the containers were flagged and transported to a warehouse on South Coast Road in the Bluff area for a detailed search. Police uncovered eight bags of crushed cocaine during this operation.
Mkhwanazi clarified that the owners of the logistics company where the containers were examined had no connection to the smuggling operation. “The facility was chosen by the shipping company as a secure location for the search,” he said.
Preventing the drugs journey to Johannesburg
The documentation accompanying the shipment indicated that the drugs were intended for Johannesburg. Had the police not intervened, the containers would likely have been offloaded onto rail or trucks for delivery.
“This operation demonstrates how cartels exploit legitimate trade routes to smuggle illegal goods,” noted Mkhwanazi. The containers, strategically marked and placed atop other cargo, could have been swiftly removed by the intended recipients.
Authorities are continuing investigations to identify those behind the smuggling operation
