The Hawks in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) have confiscated cocaine worth R15 million at the Richards Bay Port of Entry in the north coast. KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said that on Monday, their members from Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation working together with external stakeholders seized the drugs at the port of entry.

The drugs were allegedly found inside a ship from Colombia carrying iron. "Members received information about a vessel that was traveling from Columbia to Richards Bay Port of Entry. It was indicated that the vessel was importing iron to South Africa and it was also carrying drugs. An enquiry was registered and a disruptive operation was planned," he said, adding that a search was conducted upon arrival of the vessel and during the search a block of cocaine to the street value of R15 million was found. Mhlongo said that preliminary investigation was conducted and certain evidence was collected.

Mhlongo added that there have not been any arrests at the stage and that operation continues. Hawks Provincial head General Dr Lesetja Senona praised the seizure of the drugs. "Hawks would like to thank all role players that participated in this operation especially the external stakeholders who ensured that these drugs are not landing in the streets of this country, we will continue to work together with other internal stakeholders to track and trace the perpetrators involved in this drug trafficking", he said.