Law enforcement commended for R80m cocaine bust

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended members of various law enforcement agencies in the province for intercepting pure cocaine worth R80 million, packed inside a shipping container at the Durban Harbour.

According to a police report, information was received by the police about a vessel which left Brazil at the beginning of November carrying pure cocaine that was disguised as kidney beans.

The vessel, which came to South Africa via another country, was monitored until Saturday 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.

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.

“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.

Ntuli also acknowledged the Border Management Authority (BMA) effort, who are working around the clock to tighten security measures at all ports of entry and borders of the province.

He said the provincial government and law enforcement agencies under the banner of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has developed an integrated multi-disciplinary crime prevention plan during the festive season to ensure that the province remains the destination of choice for holiday makers and tourists to create a safe environment conducive for the growth of business, and to boost investor confidence.

The Premier has reassured the people of KwaZulu-Natal 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,” the Premier said.

Ntuli encouraged the community members to continue coming forward with critical information to assist law enforcement to crack down on criminal activity in our province. – SAnews.gov.za