Major crackdown by Customs nets R600,000 in illegal cigarettes and two arrests in Durban

The Durban metro police, working with various law enforcement agencies, have dealt a significant blow to illicit trade and drug trafficking in the city, with two major operations netting a haul of illegal cigarettes and narcotics, and leading to multiple arrests. 

The operations, which took place on Monday, targeted illegal business activities on the Bluff and resulted in the apprehension of a foreign national in Umbilo in connection with a major drug syndicate.

In the first incident, metro police said that a multi-disciplinary enforcement operation was conducted on the Bluff, Durban South, targeting illegal business activities and the sale of prohibited items. 

Part of the operation was the SA Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, Business Licensing Unit, immigration officials, Durban metro police K9 unit, and the Durban metro police by-law compliance unit. 

A joint enforcement team inspected two business premises during the operation.

The inspections led to the following:

1. Two business licences were confiscated pending further investigations. 
2. Immigration officials opened an inquiry into the authenticity of a marriage involving a Bangladeshi national. 
3. Customs seized large quantities of illegal cigarettes with a combined estimated value of over R616,000.
4. Metro police K9 members arrested two Bangladeshi nationals for the sale of Schedule 6 medications (sex-enhancing pills).
5. One of the suspects was also charged with possession of Section 36 property (SAPS exhibit bags).

“Both suspects were detained at Brighton Beach SAPS for further processing,” the metro police said. 

“The Durban Metro Police Service will continue working with partner agencies to clamp down on illicit trade, ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, and protect communities from illegal activities within the city.” 

In a separate incident, also on Monday, metro police said it continued to work with other law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activity, netting a foreign national with nearly R600,000 worth of cocaine. 

The metro police tactical support unit and metro police task team, alongside the SA Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Counter Narcotics, arrested a 27-year-old foreign national during an operation in Umbilo. 

The metro police explained that the members were executing a search warrant when they stopped the suspect as he exited his vehicle.

“During the search, officers discovered pure cocaine concealed inside a sock. A further search of the suspect’s flat led to the discovery of additional drugs, bringing the estimated street value of the cocaine to nearly R600,000,” the metro police said. 

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the same suspect was previously arrested in 2025 for possession of cocaine valued at approximately R400,000.”

The metro police said the suspect is expected to appear in court soon, facing charges related to drug possession and dealing. 

“This arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a drug trafficking syndicate, believed to have links to an international network involved in the trafficking, manufacturing, storage, and distribution of narcotics.”

The metro police added that it remains committed to supporting joint operations that enhance crime prevention efforts and protect communities across eThekwini. 

The SAPS have been approached for comment. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za