Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has applauded law enforcement agencies for stopping cocaine worth more than R80 million at the Durban Harbour.
Ntuli was reacting to the recovery of pure cocaine worth an estimated value of more than R80 million which was hidden inside a container at the harbour on Monday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police were informed about a vessel which left Brazil at the start of November and was carrying pure cocaine which was disguised as kidney beans.
He said the vessel, which arrived in South Africa via another country, was monitored until Saturday, November 30, when it docked at the Durban Harbour. The identified container was taken to a warehouse on South Coast Road in the Bluff area for a proper search.
“During the search, eight bags of crushed pure cocaine were found and according to the documentation, the shipment was destined for Johannesburg,” Netshiunda said.
“Investigations are under way to uncover the people behind the drugs.”
Ntuli said increased police surveillance at targeted crime hot spot areas is yielding positive results as law enforcement intelligence operations continue to thwart criminal activity in all the corners of the province.
Ntuli also recognised the efforts of the Border Management Authority, which is working around the clock to tighten security measures at all ports of entry and borders of the province.
The Premier’s Office said the provincial government and law enforcement agencies under the banner of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster developed an integrated multi-disciplinary crime prevention plan during the festive season to ensure that our province remains the destination of choice for holidaymakers and tourists alike to create a safe environment conducive for the growth of business and to boost investor confidence.
“We commend the excellent work being done by members of various law enforcement agencies to ensure that we close ranks. We are sending a strong message to all criminal syndicates that we are on high alert, we have adopted a zero-tolerance stance against all criminal activity,” Ntuli said.
He reassured KZN residents that targeted intelligence-driven operations will be affected throughout the festive season and beyond.
“Our provincial government has called for augmented numbers of police deployed during this period, especially at identified crime hot spots like the Durban Harbour. We are going to clamp down on all crime elements in our province,” Ntuli said.
The premier also encouraged community members to continue coming forward with critical information to assist law enforcement in cracking down on criminal activity in the province.
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