Tulani Ngwenya
Durban, South Africa – In yet another significant blow to international drug trafficking, police officers at Durban Harbour have seized cocaine valued at a staggering R151 million. The relentless efforts of these dedicated law enforcement officials aim to disrupt and dismantle the operations of organised crime syndicates involved in the drug trade.
The latest breakthrough occurred on Monday, December 4, 2023, when officers acted on intelligence and closely monitored a container that had arrived 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 arrests have been made in connection with the seizure, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has assumed control of the investigation, signalling the gravity of the international implications associated with this case.
This incident marks the third substantial drug bust within the span of two months at Durban Harbour. In October, the same law enforcement team seized cocaine valued at R150 million, underscoring the persistent attempts by traffickers to exploit South African ports for their illicit activities.
Read more on the subject:
Over R150 million worth of cocaine seized at Durban Harbour
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In a proactive move to tackle the root causes of the issue, General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), engaged in discussions with Andrei Passos RODRIGUES, the Police Chief of the Brazilian Federal Police. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Interpol Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Vienna last week.
General Masemola and Chief Passos RODRIGUES deliberated on the increasing influx of drugs into South Africa from Brazilian ports. Recognising the need for enhanced cooperation, both parties agreed to elevate their collaborative efforts, building on the successes already achieved in sharing information on drug-related crimes and countering international crime syndicates.
The latest seizure serves as a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguard South Africa from the devastating effects of drug trafficking. The ongoing collaboration between South African and Brazilian authorities reflects a concerted global effort to stem the tide of transnational crime.