South African authorities have intercepted a large cocaine shipment concealed inside heavy machinery at the Port of Durban, dealing a significant blow to suspected international drug trafficking networks operating through the country’s busiest maritime gateway.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, resulted in the seizure of approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of R36 million.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, worked alongside Customs officials, Durban Visible Policing Operations and the Local Criminal Record Centre to uncover the concealed drugs after receiving intelligence about suspicious cargo arriving from South America.
Hidden compartments discovered inside imported machinery
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, investigators were alerted by Customs officials to a possible drug concealment inside an excavator that had arrived aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo from Santos, Brazil.
The machine had been offloaded at the Q and R Car Terminal at Durban Harbour when authorities initiated a detailed inspection.
During the search, officers discovered a number of suspicious packages hidden behind a panel leading to the excavator’s engine compartment. Further examination revealed 47 blocks containing a powdered substance believed to be cocaine.
While investigators were processing the first discovery, Customs officials identified a second excavator from the same shipment that also showed signs of possible concealment.
A subsequent inspection uncovered an additional 43 blocks of suspected cocaine hidden within the machinery.
Authorities estimate the combined haul weighs around 90 kilograms. Based on current illicit market values, the drugs are believed to be worth approximately R36 million.
Investigation expands as authorities target trafficking networks
No arrests have been made so far, and officials have confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.
The seized substances will be transported to a forensic laboratory for scientific analysis to confirm their composition and purity.
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan praised the coordinated efforts of the multi-agency team involved in the operation.
She said the successful interception demonstrates South Africa’s continued commitment to disrupting transnational organised crime and preventing criminal syndicates from exploiting key ports of entry.
The seizure comes amid increasing concerns about the role of international shipping routes in facilitating the movement of narcotics between South America, Africa and Europe. Criminal organisations have increasingly used commercial cargo, industrial equipment and container shipments to conceal illicit drugs from law enforcement authorities.
Durban Port remains one of Africa’s busiest maritime hubs, processing millions of tonnes of cargo annually. Its strategic location and high cargo volumes make it a critical trade gateway but also a target for organised criminal groups seeking to move illegal goods across borders.
In recent years, South African authorities have intensified inspections and intelligence-led operations at ports, airports and border crossings as part of broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
Officials believe cooperation between law enforcement agencies, customs authorities and international partners remains essential in identifying sophisticated smuggling methods and dismantling the networks behind them.
The investigation into the latest Durban Port seizure is continuing, with authorities expected to examine the origin of the shipment, its intended destination and any individuals or organisations linked to the concealed cargo.
Source: Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks)