In a major victory against international drug trafficking, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has intercepted a cargo ship off the coast of Durban and seized cocaine worth an estimated R56 million.
The operation, conducted under Operation Irene, was the result of a coordinated, intelligence-driven effort targeting organised crime and smuggling networks exploiting South Africa’s maritime routes.
High-risk containers
A SARS Customs Marine Patrol vessel stopped the cargo ship near the Fairway Buoy, approximately four nautical miles from Durban’s outer anchorage.
The vessel was escorted into the port, where enforcement officers conducted a focused inspection of several high-risk containers.
Hidden inside refrigeration units, authorities discovered 25 large bricks of cocaine, expertly concealed.
Field tests confirmed the narcotics as high-quality cocaine, believed to be intended for dilution and expansion prior to street-level distribution.
The contraband was immediately handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have launched a full investigation into the shipment’s origin and destination.
SARS Commissioner: “A Heavy Blow to Organised Crime”
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the successful operation, highlighting the importance of international cooperation – particularly with Brazil – in dismantling global drug syndicates.
“This success points to the value of collaboration with our counterparts from Brazil. It is such collaboration that communicates concrete cooperation within BRICS countries, dealing a heavy blow against organised crime syndicates,” Kieswetter said.
“This achievement also signals that law enforcement agencies in South Africa are stepping up to the challenge of protecting our borders and shielding society from the harmful effects of narcotics.”
The bust forms part of SARS’s intensified efforts to combat illicit trade, smuggling, and border-related crimes.
Operation Irene, in particular, has focused on high-risk shipping channels and trafficking routes that use South Africa as a transit point.
Authorities say the seizure not only disrupted a significant international trafficking operation, but also prevented millions of rands worth of narcotics from reaching South African streets.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the source and intended recipients of the consignment.
Will the war against drug trafficking ever be won?
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