Global drug cartels are targeting the maritime industry and are reportedly using the Durban port to traffic drugs. 

The maritime environment has been identified as one of the strategic risks to the country’s economic security which calls for more intensified effort to address economic productivity, marine exploitation, and criminality. 

It is in this context that the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will together with a team of social development officials visit the Durban Port to learn more about drug trafficking in the maritime industry.
 
The visit will afford the department to strengthen its working relations with law enforcement authorities, especially border policing to fight the scourge of drugs. Criminals and drug dealers use multiple ports of entry to traffic drugs and maritime is one of the identified entries. 
 
The department of social development is tasked with the prevention and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse and strengthening relations with law enforcement agencies, non-profit organisations, faith based organisations and community members will strengthen the work of the department. 
 
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the visit to Durban Port of Entry planned as follows:                
 
Date: Friday, 23 June 2023
Time:10h00
Venue: 136, Victoria and Embankment, Durban Central, Maritime House, Kwazulu-Natal Province
 
Media may RSVP by contacting Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 0727329381 or on makhosazanama@dsd.gov.za
 
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 0834848067 or lumkao@dsd.gov.za

Event Category: 

Government activities

Issued by: 

Department of Social Development