R13m cocaine seized at Durban Harbour

Police have seized cocaine worth R13 million during an operation at the Durban harbour.

Authorities say they are now searching for the suspects linked to the shipment.

R13 million cocaine bust at Durban harbour sparks major police investigation

KZN SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says the seizure follows a drug recovery in Gauteng last month.

He says they received information that the drugs had entered the country through the harbour.

Drugs hidden in bus shipment from South America intercepted by SAPS

Several vessels were profiled as part of police investigations on Tuesday.

"During an operation which involved officers from Durban Operational Response Services (ORS) and Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit, 32 blocks suspected to be cocaine were recovered concealed in the air conditioning compartment of a bus,” said Netshiunda.

“The buses were shipped from a South American country and were destined for Gauteng province.

"Investigations are underway to uncover the suspects behind the shipment and the intended recipients."

Drug mule arrests and khat seizure at OR Tambo intensify crackdown

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) apprehended four individuals suspected of being drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport.

Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said on Tuesday that two of the suspects were detained based on suspicions of drug trafficking.

This operation followed a tip-off received on Monday night, leading to the arrest of a 66-year-old Somali national found in possession of a Dutch passport.

Van Wyk said a search of the suspect's luggage led to the discovery of 55kg of khat, with an estimated street value of over R100 000.

"On the same day, police discovered abandoned luggage at the airport containing approximately 45 kilograms of khat, valued at more than R90 000," said van Wyk.

Brazilian drug trafficking suspect arrested at OR Tambo

A suspected drug trafficker is expected to appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on early April after being arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.

Police nabbed the 26-year-old Brazilian following the interception of cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million.

The suspect was apprehended after landing from Brazil.

Matha says police acted on intelligence and searched their luggage.

“During the search, members discovered multiple blocks of cocaine wrapped and concealed in his luggage. This arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa's largest port of entry. The interception of drug traffickers has gone a long way in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and strengthening the fight against organised crime.”

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