Cocaine worth R12 million found in the panelled compartment of a bus imported from Brazil

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said that 32 kg bricks of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of R 12 million were seized at the Durban Harbour.

The drugs were concealed within the panelled compartment of a bus imported from Santos, Brazil.

“The identities of the intended recipients and the sender of the drugs themselves have not yet been established. The investigation of this case is ongoing,” Cachalia said.

Cachalia said that the drugs are currently kept in a lock and safe facility within the Forensic Science Laboratory.

This measure ensures that the seized drugs remain secure and in SAPS custody, as prescribed by the South African Police Service Exhibit Management Policy.

Discovering and confiscating drugs at the Durban Harbour is not unique. 90 kilograms of cocaine worth R36 million were found at the harbour on 6 June 2026.

This operation included the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB).

Officials from Customs, the Durban Visible Policing Operations (VPO) and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) also took part in the seizure.

Members of SANEB were alerted by a Customs official to suspected cocaine concealed within an excavator.

“Upon arrival, the scene was handed over to DPCI members by Customs officials,” the police said in a statement.

An inspection of the excavator revealed suspicious packages concealed within a panel leading to the engine compartment.

Further examination resulted in the seizure of 47 blocks containing a powdered substance suspected to be cocaine.

“While the first scene was being processed, Customs officials reported the discovery of a second concealment,” the police said.

“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.

“In total, 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized. Based on an estimated value of R400,000 per kilogram, the drugs have a street value of R36 million.”

The acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, said that no arrests have been made and the matter remains under investigation.