Hawks seizes cocaine worth R500m in South Africa

By Bisola Adeyemo

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has seized a massive amount of cocaine worth R500 million at the Durban harbour, South Africa in last month.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said in a statement that the cocaine was found in a shipping container belonging to a sales company.

“A subsequent search was conducted and, upon searching the container, several black canvas bags wrapped in plastic were found at the entrance of the container. Upon further investigation, it was established that the container was packed with cocaine bricks contained in the black canvas bags. A duplicate container seal was also found inside the container. The balance of the goods in the container was established to be truck cabs destined for the consignee (Scania SA).

“Investigators found 999 bricks of cocaine weighing 1 000 kg, with a street value of R500 million. No arrests have been made.

According to news24, Mogale said at least four tons of cocaine have been seized in South Africa since March. Most of the drug hauls were destined for international markets, and at least 20% meant for the domestic market and the payment of drug traffickers.

This case is believed to be linked to a similar drug seizure on 9 July 2021, of 715 kg in Aeroton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, coming from Durban Port, also disguised as Scania truck parts. During the seizure of the said consignment, four suspects were arrested, including three police officials. Investigations have revealed that the origin of all of these consignments is the Port of Santos in Brazil,”

“The latest drug haul is believed to be linked to previous seizures where narcotics worth millions of rands were found, she said.

Two more drug busts were executed at a depot in Isipingo, Durban. A larger consignment of drugs was also found in Gauteng, where four people were arrested after a R400 million cocaine bust along the N1 in Pretoria.

The Hawks are seeking help from the public to locate a foreign national believed to be the mastermind behind some of the crimes. Anyone with information has been requested to contact Brigadier Devon Naicker on 082 778 2818 and Warrant Officer Brittion on 082 778 2815.