In a joint law enforcement operation in the Namakwa District, authorities confiscated counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products with an estimated street value of about R1 million from several Bangladeshi shop owners.
IN A JOINT operation involving the Springbok K9 unit, the Public Order Police, SAPS border police, the Department of Home Affairs and Sars customs, authorities confiscated counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products with an estimated street value of about R1 million from several Bangladeshi shop owners.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said on Tuesday that the team raided five shops in Bergsig, Carolusberg, Okiep and Springbok on March 8 at around 11am.
“The team confiscated 217 cartons of cigarettes and a large amount of Afzal tobacco with an estimated street value of R1 million,” said Kock.
He added that the shop owners were served with a seven-day notice to produce valid proof of purchase for the confiscated items.
Northern Cape SAPS provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola commended the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies.
She reiterated their commitment to eradicating the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, which has a detrimental impact on the country’s economy.
