By Inside Politics Reporter
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), better known as the Hawks, has seized approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of R36 million at the Durban Harbour.
The operation, carried out on 6 June 2026, involved members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), Customs officials, the Durban Vehicle Processing Organisation (VPO), and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
According to the Hawks, the drugs were concealed inside two excavators that had arrived aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo from Santos, Brazil.
Customs officials alerted investigators after discovering suspicious packages hidden within a panel leading to the engine compartment. A thorough inspection led to the seizure of 47 blocks of suspected cocaine. A second excavator was later found to contain an additional 43 blocks, bringing the total haul to 90 kilograms.
No arrests have been made at this stage, and the matter remains under investigation. The seized exhibits will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for chemical analysis.
Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, praised the team for their vigilance.
“The DPCI remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and safeguarding South Africa’s ports of entry from organised criminal activities, even when their integrity is under scrutiny. The DPCI will continue executing its mandate without fear or favour.”
