KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police are investigating the source of expired and counterfeit goods discovered in a warehouse in Durban's southern region. The shocking find was made on Wednesday afternoon during a coordinated operation in Mobeni, led by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Premier Thami Ntuli.
Authorities uncovered expired food items and counterfeit goods stored in four warehouses, including locations in Bluff and along South Coast Road. Among the seized items were baby food and noodles, stacked nearly to the ceiling of a poorly lit warehouse.
“These items are moved from here to other warehouses, where they are distributed to suppliers before reaching the public,” explained Mkhwanazi.
The goods were found alongside hazardous materials such as chemicals, alcohol, medicines, and spices, raising concerns about contamination risks. Mkhwanazi revealed that some of the food products may have already been expired upon entering the country.
“The contamination starts on the ship. If a chemical bottle breaks inside the container, it compromises everything inside,” he said.
The operation comes amid heightened awareness of foodborne illnesses, prompting law enforcement to closely monitor the entry and distribution of expired food products in the country. Informal traders, often the final link in the distribution chain, may unwittingly sell these unsafe items to the public.
Mkhwanazi further noted discrepancies in import declarations. “They might declare one thing on paper, but the reality of what they’re bringing in is different,” he said.
The police commissioner also highlighted the difficulty in identifying the goods without thorough inspections. “The items are wrapped so securely that you can’t know what’s inside unless you break it open.”
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to trace the supply chain and hold those responsible accountable.