By Terri-Ann Brouwers.
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has announced a major narcotics seizure at the Durban Harbour following an early morning intelligence-led operation.
The raid led to the confiscation of suspected drugs worth an estimated R65 million.
According to Sars, officers from the Durban Customs office, working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, intercepted a vessel near the Fairway Buoy off the east coast of Durban at around 02:45 am on 12 October 2025. The ship was escorted to port, where a thorough inspection uncovered 30 bricks of suspected narcotics concealed within the refrigeration unit of a shipping container.
The drugs have been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for further investigation, prosecution and destruction.
Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter commended the Customs Enforcement Team and partner agencies for their work in the operation. “Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and focused at the dead of the night to intercept this vessel,” said Kieswetter.
“This speaks to an unwavering commitment by Sars to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals bent on shipping harmful substances that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants.”