Hawks Disrupt Major Dagga Smuggling Operation at Richards Bay Port

In a significant crackdown on cross-border drug smuggling, the Hawks, South Africa's elite Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, successfully intercepted a major dagga smuggling operation at Richards Bay Port in KwaZulu-Natal. This operation was carried out on the 3rd of March, 2025, highlighting the intensified efforts against drug trafficking in the region.

The operation was a result of collaborative efforts between the Hawks' Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Crime Intelligence Border Security, Visible Policing, and Operation’s Sea Border. Prior intelligence provided by Crime Intelligence regarding the smuggling route from Swaziland through the Golela Land Port was crucial in staging the sting operation at the right time. The suspects chose a train as their mode of transport to move the illicit cargo into South Africa, evading detection.

Upon the arrival of the specified train at Richards Bay Sea Port, a thorough search was conducted by the team. This meticulous examination led to the discovery of 23 bags of dagga, intriguingly marked with different names. The operation revealed the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to transport illegal substances across borders. The street value of the recovered dagga was estimated at a substantial R450,000.

While no arrests have been made as of now, the seized dagga has been secured for further investigative processes, signaling ongoing efforts to trace back and dismantle the network involved in this smuggling operation. The operation underscores a significant victory but also highlights the persistent challenge posed by drug smuggling in Southern Africa.

The success of this operation was met with commendation from Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head of the Hawks. He praised the coordinated effort and reiterated the unit’s unwavering resolve to combat the illicit drug trade affecting the region. He stated, "This collaborative effort between our units and partner agencies highlights our dedication to combating the illicit trade of drugs and securing our borders against such threats."

This incident at Richards Bay Port serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in South Africa and the significant role intelligence-led operations play in thwarting these criminal endeavors. The collaborative operation not only prevented a considerable amount of illegal drugs from entering the market but also demonstrated the effectiveness of joint operations in tackling organized crime.