Durban, South Africa, South African authorities today announced the seizure of a significant quantity of cocaine concealed in refrigerated containers on a cargo vessel intercepted near Durban.
Customs officials under the South African Revenue Service (SARS), working with the South African Police Service (SAPS), carried out the operation as part of Operation Irene. The vessel was stopped approximately four nautical miles offshore and escorted into Durban harbour for inspection.
During checks, enforcement teams uncovered 25 large bricks of high-purity cocaine hidden in the refrigeration units of several containers. The drugs were immediately secured and handed over to police investigators.
“This interception is a direct result of intelligence-driven cooperation and vigilance at sea,” SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said in a statement, adding that international partnerships, including those with BRICS nations, played a key role in the success of the operation.
Rising Smuggling Tactics
Officials noted that traffickers increasingly exploit refrigerated, or “reefer,” containers to conceal narcotics, taking advantage of their role in legitimate cold-chain trade such as food and pharmaceuticals. Durban, one of the busiest container ports in Africa, has become a recurring target for such smuggling attempts.
Broader Context
Today’s seizure follows a series of major busts at the port:
- December 2023 – 433 blocks of cocaine (worth R151 million) hidden in meat boxes.
- December 2024 – Eight bags of cocaine (worth more than R80 million) concealed in a kidney bean shipment.
Authorities say the latest find is part of a broader pattern of drug syndicates targeting South Africa’s maritime gateways for international distribution.
Strategic Importance
With Durban positioned as a critical link in global shipping lanes, the seizure highlights both the growing pressure on maritime security and the importance of inter-agency coordination in protecting supply chains.
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