Law enforcement vows to clamp down on drug trafficking in light of Richards Bay cocaine seizure

Police have vowed to crack down and trace perpetrators involved in drug trafficking following the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated R15-million on a vessel at the Port of Richards Bay.

Local law enforcement agencies working with international authorities seized the blocks of cocaine on Monday after receiving information about the ship that was travelling from Columbia to Richards Bay.

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“It was indicated that the vessel was importing iron to South Africa and it was also carrying drugs. An enquiry was registered and a disruptive operation was planned.

“A search was conducted upon arrival of the vessel and during the search, blocks of cocaine with a street value of R15-million were found,” said Hawks KZN spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo.

“Preliminary investigation was conducted and certain evidence was collected. No arrest has been made at this stage [as the] operation continues,” said Mhlongo.

The joint operation was led by the Hawks members from Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation, working together with external stakeholders, King Cetshwayo District Task Team, Richards Bay ORS, Local Criminal Record Centre, Sars Customs, US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Transnet Port Terminal Security and a private security company.

KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona commended the joint operation that ensured ‘these drugs are not landing on the streets of this country’.

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