By OBAKENG MAJE
July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Springbok in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies conducted a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation on 24 July 2025, at a retail store at the Petrus Kotze Centre in Port Nolloth, resulting in the seizure of illicit tobacco products.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said during a compliance inspection, members found a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products with an estimated value of R240 333. Magerman said a Pakistani national (28), was issued with a warning and summoned for further investigation by Customs officials from Vioolsdrift.
“The suspect is facing charges of possession of illicit tobacco,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the joint efforts by the Springbok SAPS Task Team, Customs, Springbok and Crime Intelligence. Andrews also cited that the selling, storing and peddling of any illicit products in the district will not be tolerated.
“Compliance inspections will be intensified in the quest to dismantle these activities and the sale of such items,” he said.
The Guardian 