A multidisciplinary inter-provincial cross border operation comprising the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State provinces successfully disrupted the trade and distribution of illicit cigarettes in and around Colesberg on Wednesday.
According to Northern Cape police, search warrants were obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit cigarettes valued at approximately R370 000.
Members of Colesberg South African Police Service (SAPS), Kuyasa SAPS, Crime Intelligence and South African Revenue Services (SARS) customs acted on intelligence and approached a general dealer in Kerk Street, Colesberg, where illicit cigarette trading was suspected.
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“A suspicious truck parked next to the store was also searched. Police discovered a further consignment of counterfeit cigarettes valued at approximately R2.5 million, which was seized as well as the truck,” said the SAPS in a statement.
The operation continued at a filling station in station Road, Colesberg, where additional counterfeit cigarettes worth an estimated R590 000 were confiscated.
The total estimated value of the seized cigarettes and the truck stands at R7.5 million. The owners were issued a seven-day notice to provide original documentation for the goods,” the police said.
The Provincial Police Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the team for their work.
She reiterated that the SAPS and its partners remain unwavering in their efforts to eradicate the illicit trade in counterfeit goods which pose a serious threat to the country’s economy. – SAnews.gov.za
