{"id":297156,"date":"2026-06-07T11:09:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T09:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/mthathaexpress\/hawks-seize-cocaine-worth-r36-m-concealed-in-excavator-at-durban-harbour\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T14:48:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T12:48:51","slug":"hawks-seize-cocaine-worth-r36-m-concealed-in-excavator-at-durban-harbour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/mthathaexpress\/hawks-seize-cocaine-worth-r36-m-concealed-in-excavator-at-durban-harbour\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawks seize cocaine worth R36 m, concealed in excavator at Durban harbour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DURBAN, South Africa \u2013<\/strong> The Hawks have seized approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of R36 million at Durban harbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drugs were discovered hidden in two excavators that arrived from Santos, Brazil, aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo on Friday 6 June, according to a statement issued by the Hawks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of Organised Crime Investigation\u2019s Narcotics Enforcement Bureau were alerted by a customs official to suspected cocaine concealed within an excavator at the Q and R car terminal, the Hawks said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A thorough inspection revealed suspicious packages concealed within a panel leading to the engine compartment. The examination resulted in the seizure of 47 blocks containing a powdered substance suspected to be cocaine, according to the statement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspected cocaine blocks hidden within an excavator’s engine compartment panel at Durban harbour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While the first scene was being processed, customs officials reported the discovery of a second concealment on another excavator that had already been offloaded from the vessel. A subsequent inspection led to the seizure of an additional 43 blocks of suspected cocaine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on an estimated value of R400 000 per kilogram, the drugs have an approximate street value of R36 million, the Hawks said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigation continues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No arrests have been made at this stage, and the matter remains under investigation, according to the statement. The seized exhibits will be transported to a forensic science laboratory for chemical analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A K9 unit assists in detecting cocaine concealed in an excavator from Brazil at Durban harbour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The acting provincial head of the Hawks, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, applauded the multi-disciplinary team for their alertness and dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and safeguarding South Africa’s ports of entry from organised criminal activities,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The DPCI will continue executing their mandate without fear or favour.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operation involved officials from the Hawks, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, customs, the Durban vehicle processing organisation, and the local criminal record centre.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Hawks seized 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth R36 million hidden in excavators from Brazil at Durban harbour on 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seize cocaine worth R36 m, concealed in excavator at Durban harbour | Mthatha Express<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hawks seize cocaine worth R36m hidden in excavators from Brazil at Durban harbour. 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