In a demonstration of its crackdown on illicit trade and crime, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has intercepted a suspected drug consignment at the Port of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.
The consignment targeted during a Customs and Excise operation at the port contained about 90 bricks of cocaine.
“Through intelligence-led actions, SARS is targeting high-risk consignments with precision, disrupting cross-border smuggling and illicit financial flows that are ravaging domestic economies and undermining compliant trade.
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“SARS will continue its crackdown on illicit trade. Our modern customs capability allows us to precisely target high-risk shipments while facilitating compliant trade. This operation shows how we are restoring the integrity of our border environment and working with law enforcement to dismantle organized criminal networks.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said of Saturday's incident, “The Port of Durban remains a major trade gateway, and SARS will continue to strengthen enforcement through enhanced cargo profiling, technology-enabled inspections and multi-agency collaboration.”
The Revenue Service said the consignment was selected during an “inspection of heavy-duty excavation equipment imported from South America”.
“SARS detector dogs alerted to a suspicious parcel concealed within two excavators. The South African Police Service (SAPS) secured the scene, after which the parcel, estimated to contain approximately 90 large bricks of pure cocaine, was removed. Initial testing using the SARS Mobile Drug Detection Kit indicated that the substance was cocaine.
“The seized consignment is part of SARS's intensified crackdown on illicit trade and cross-border smuggling. The material has been seized and handed over to the SAPS for further forensic analysis and criminal investigation,” SARS said.
Technical assistance in fighting crime
“The operation is a demonstration of the modern technology used to stamp out criminality,” SARS said.
“Investments in advanced cargo profiling systems, non-intrusive inspection technology and data-driven risk engines are enabling faster, more accurate detection of illicit goods.
“These capabilities improve Customs efficiency by allowing SARS to identify and intercept high-risk shipments without delaying legitimate trade, thereby supporting economic activity while enforcing compliance,” the Revenue Service said.
Read | Multimillion-rand drug bust in Durban Harbor
on friday, wardrobe Reaffirmed the Government's commitment to intensify the fight against organized crime.
Last month the Border Management Authority (BMA), Hawks, SAPS K9 units and other law enforcement agencies led an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment worth approximately R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on 27 May.
A truck going from Zimbabwe to South Africa was stopped. Authorities discovered approximately 713 000 grams of methaqualone, commonly known as ABBA, a substance widely used in the manufacturing of mandrax.
Cabinet also commended the South African Police Service for the arrest of 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-dollar drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartugense, North West Province, in May.