Major Cocaine Seizure: R86.5 Million Drug Bust at Durban's Clairwood Warehouse

In a significant drug bust that underscores the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking, KwaZulu-Natal police intercepted cocaine with an estimated street value of R86.5 million at a Clairwood warehouse, south of Durban. The narcotics, concealed in a shipment initially described as kidney beans, originated from Brazil and were intercepted following rigorous police intelligence and surveillance.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police spokesperson, informed that the police acted on intelligence about a vessel that left Brazil at the beginning of November. The vessel, after stopping over in another country, reached the Durban Harbour on 30 November 2024. The police had been monitoring this vessel's journey and movement closely.

Upon the vessel's arrival, the suspicious container was promptly moved to a secure warehouse on South Coast Road in the bluff area for detailed inspection. During the search, officials discovered eight bags filled with crushed pure cocaine. According to the accompanying documentation, the final destination for these drugs was Johannesburg, highlighting an elaborate network likely aimed at distributing the drugs within South Africa.

The bust at Clairwood warehouse is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Durban Harbour has seen several high-profile narcotics interceptions. Last year, police recovered cocaine worth R151 million and another separate bust revealed 433 blocks of cocaine hidden within meat boxes, valued at R70 million. These incidents underline the critical role of Durban Harbour in international drug smuggling routes, particularly from South America to Africa.

The frequent drug interceptions at Durban Harbour attest to the sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers, using everyday goods like meat and beans to conceal their illegal cargo. It also showcases the vigilance and proactive stance of the South African Police Services and harbor officials in stemming the tide of narcotics entering the country.

Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the syndicates behind these smuggling operations. The results of such busts not only impede the supply chains of drug cartels but also significantly help in deterring future smuggling attempts into South Africa.