Crime

KwaZulu-Natal Police Seize R13 Million Worth of Cocaine at Durban Harbour in Intelligence-Driven Operation

PrimeTime News Desk Published 6 May 2026

2 min read

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Durban, South Africa – Police in KwaZulu-Natal have recovered cocaine with an estimated street value of R13 million during an operation at Durban Harbour. The seizure took place on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.14

The operation followed the recovery of drugs in Gauteng province during April 2026. Information from that case indicated the drugs had entered South Africa through Durban Harbour. In response, intelligence was activated and specific vessels arriving at the port were profiled for further scrutiny.17

Officers from the Durban Operational Response Services (ORS) and the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit conducted the search. They discovered 32 blocks of suspected cocaine concealed inside the air conditioning compartment of a bus. The buses in the shipment had been imported from a South American country and were destined for Gauteng Province.6

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed details of the find, noting that the drugs were hidden within the vehicle’s air conditioning system as part of an attempt to smuggle them into the interior of the country.17

KwaZulu-Natal police are actively searching for the individuals responsible for the shipment, including those involved in importing the consignment and the intended recipients in Gauteng. Investigations remain ongoing.10

This seizure highlights efforts by South African law enforcement to disrupt drug trafficking routes that use commercial shipping and vehicle imports through major ports like Durban. The harbour serves as a key entry point for international cargo, and authorities have increased profiling and intelligence sharing in response to transnational organised crime networks.

No arrests have been reported in connection with this specific consignment at the time of the operation. Police have emphasised that the matter is under active investigation, with potential for further developments as leads are pursued both at the port and in Gauteng.

The discovery of the concealed packages in the air conditioning compartment suggests a deliberate concealment method aimed at evading standard inspections. The exact weight and purity of the cocaine blocks have not been publicly detailed beyond the overall estimated value of R13 million.

This incident forms part of broader anti-drug efforts by the South African Police Service, which continue to target supply chains linked to international sources, particularly from South America. Durban Harbour has previously seen significant drug-related operations, though this case was directly linked to prior Gauteng recoveries.22

Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the shipment to come forward as investigations seek to identify and apprehend those behind the trafficking attempt.