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 South African Government News Agency, a police report detailed that information was received by the police regarding a vessel, which had departed from Brazil at the beginning of November carrying pure cocaine disguised as kidney beans. The vessel, which made its way to South Africa via another country, was meticulously monitored until its arrival on Saturday at the Durban Harbour. Upon docking, the identified container was transported to a warehouse on South Coast Road in the Bluff area for a thorough search. During the search, eight bags of crushed pure cocaine were discovered, and documentation revealed that the shipment was destined for Johannesburg.
Premier Ntuli highlighted that increased police surveillance at targeted crime hotspot areas is yielding positive results, as
law enforcement intelligence operations continue to thwart criminal activities across 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 stated.
Ntuli further acknowledged the efforts of the Border Management Authority (BMA), which is diligently working to tighten security measures at all ports of entry and borders within the province. He emphasized that the provincial government and law enforcement agencies, under the banner of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, have developed an integrated multi-disciplinary crime prevention plan for the festive season. This plan aims to ensure that the province remains a prime destination for holidaymakers and tourists, creating a safe environment conducive to business growth and boosting investor confidenc
e.
The Premier reassured the residents of KwaZulu-Natal that targeted intelligence-driven operations will continue throughout the festive season and beyond. “Our provincial government has called for augmented numbers of police deployed during this period, especially at identified crime hotspots like the Durban harbour. We are going to clamp down on all crime elements in our province,” the Premier asserted.
Ntuli also encouraged community members to come forward with critical information to assist law enforcement in cracking down on criminal activities within the province.