R70m drug bust: Cops seize huge cocaine haul at Durban Harbour

Police seized cocaine, with an estimated street value of R70 million, from a vessel in the Durban Harbour on Wednesday.

Police officers attached to the harbour had been monitoring a vessel that had been making its way to South Africa from Brazil, said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

"Prior to the vessel arriving at the Port of Durban, members intercepted the identified vessel and mobilised various units and resources to conduct a search and seize operation on the identified containers," she said.

Two hundred blocks of cocaine were found in 20-litre paint containers.

Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the scene.

"We will continue to stamp the authority of the state. We are strengthening our response and our strategy in dealing with these syndicates," he said.