Nineteen traditional healers appeared in the Durban magistrates' court on Friday charged with possessing and dealing in protected species.
These include skins, bones, protected plants, vulture carcasses and drugs with an estimated street value of R3 million.
The suspects were arrested in Warwick Avenue in the Durban city centre on Thursday.
Police spokesman Muzi Mngomezulu said 100 Mandrax tablets were also seized.
The suspects could not produce permits for being in possession of the protected species.
They are accused of contravening the Protected Species Act. They are in custody and will apply for bail this week. - Sne Masuku