Crackdown on illegal liquor and cigarette trade

Police had a major crackdown on illegal liquor and cigarette trade in and around Pretoria over the weekend.

The operations involved high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots, compliance inspections, and raids on illicit liquor outlets.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the Tshwane Police Officers arrested 254 individuals for offenses ranging from assault and housebreaking to public drinking and armed robbery through routine operations and standard Police procedures.

“During Operation Shanela, conducted in the Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan policing areas, Tshwane Detective teams successfully apprehended 255 suspects, including those involved in gender-based violence, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and rape.

“Three uniformed groups, comprising two tactical teams and a roadblock group, were deployed to police the Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan areas.”

Van Dyk said the tactical teams inspected nine liquor premises, identifying three as non-compliant with liquor regulations.

“A total of 66,230 ml of liquor and 1000 illicit cigarettes were confiscated and will be destroyed pending the finalization of criminal cases.

“Additionally, 33 undocumented immigrants were detained for deportation pending the conclusion of legal processes, with two individuals arrested for public drinking.”

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He added that throughout the operation, a total of 1158 persons and 519 vehicles were inspected, with 18 vehicles checked for stolen status. Four premises were searched during this operation.

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