Picture: The illicit cigarettes confiscated/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police have seized various brands of illicit cigarettes and wooka tobacco to the value of R7.8 million and issued R1500 fines for dealing in illicit medicine. The shop owners were also served with compliance notices, requesting them to provide the authorities with the required documentation permitting them to possess such consignments.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, one suspect (33), who is a Bangladeshi national, was arrested on a previous warrant of arrest and will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. Sam said the police are reinforcing efforts to eradicate the sale and trafficking of counterfeit goods, with a focus on illicit cigarettes and tobacco products.
“The Provincial Organised Crime Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence in conjunction with, the Provincial Firearm, Liquor and Second Hand Goods Unit (FLASH), the Kimberley Public Order Police (POP), the Kuruman K9, Highway Patrol, and Crime Prevention Units, Prieska VISPOL, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs and National Rapid Response team and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services conducted intelligence driven operations.
“The operations that commenced on 13 November 2023, were executed in Kimberley, Kuruman and Prieska. These multi-disciplinary operations were conducted on intelligence gathering efforts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the collective efforts of law enforcement agencies, citing that the current levels of illicit trade, need to be addressed urgently and the police will strengthen compliance control measures in combatting illicit-related crimes.
The Guardian 