By Obakeng Maje

Kimberley-In a covert operation betwen the NC Hawks and the Tobacco Institute of South afrca (TISA), three businesses in Kimberley were raided on Thursday. 

“Kimberley is overcrowded with the influx of foreigners who are selling illegal cigarettes and there is a need to police the area by means of operations as preventative measures” colonel Priscilla Naidu said.

According to TISA, Kimberley is fast becoming a popular industry for trading in illicit cigarettes.  Types of illicit trade includes, duties not paid,compliant with the Tobacco Products Act but duties not paid; non compliant with the Tobacco Products Control Act and no duties paid; counterfeit cigarettes.

Naidu said the sale of illicit cigarettes in the province is escalating and statistics have shown that the traders are mainly foreign owned businesses. “Persons found trading in illicit cigarettes may be charged in terms of the Customs and excise act. No 91 of 1964 (as amended) and the Tobacco Products Control Act, No 83 of 1993(as amended). The penalties for non compliance varies from a fine of R20 000 or 3 times the value of the goods to R1million upon conviction” she said.

Police said illicit cigarettes to the value of R110 000 was confiscated from the three shops that were raided. One trader was formally charged while goods from the other two shops were confiscated. 

The Hawks and TISA has warned that this is the beginning of many operations to take place in the Province. 

“The units that assisted in the operation included  Public Order Policing (Kimberley), Department of Home Affairs and members from the Local Criminal Record Centre. The public is urged to report illegal cigarettes to TISA Hotline on 0800 214 710” Naidu concludes.-TDN

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