Durban: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has successfully intercepted narcotics valued at approximately R65 million during a coordinated intelligence operation at Durban Harbour on Sunday morning. This operation led to the seizure of thirty bricks of suspected narcotics hidden within the reefer refrigeration unit of a vessel.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Durban Customs Enforcement Team deployed the Customs Marine Unit Patrol Vessel, Striker, to intercept the motor vessel near the Fairway Buoy at Outer Anchorage, about four nautical miles off the East Coast of Durban. As the vessel approached the port, it was escorted to its berth where the enforcement team boarded it, interviewed the master of the vessel, and scrutinized documentation to pinpoint the location of a profiled container.

The enforcement team conducted a thorough search of the vessel, ultimately locating the container in question. Upon examining the refrigeration unit, they discovered bricks of suspected narcotics, marking a positive detection.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the efforts of the teams involved in the successful operation. He highlighted the dedication of customs officials who worked diligently through the night to intercept the vessel. Kieswetter emphasized SARS’s commitment to safeguarding borders and preventing the entry of harmful substances that pose a threat to the well-being of citizens.