More than R570k of illicit cigarettes seized on The Bluff
More than 13 000 boxes of illicit cigarettes (20s) were seized from the five shops raided during a metro blitz on The Bluff.
SIX foreign nationals on The Bluff were arrested for allegedly operating without valid trading permits and contravening the Immigration Act.
Also read: Spaza shop owners continue to register businesses
The arrest followed a joint operation conducted by metro police and private security companies on May 15.
During the operation, five shops were raided on The Bluff, with some businesses found to be operating without valid licences.
More than 13 000 boxes of illicit cigarettes (20s) were seized with an estimated street value of R570 165.
Intelligence-driven operation
Operations manager for Fitama Protection Services Richard Hawksworth said an intelligence-driven operation led to the wholesaler that is allegedly supplying illicit cigarettes to shops across KZN.
Also read: More than R616 000 worth of illicit cigarettes seized on The Bluff
“Through ongoing intelligence gathering and investigations, the operational team successfully identified and located the premises involved in the illegal distribution of illicit cigarettes. The team worked tirelessly and effectively throughout the intelligence and investigative process, which resulted in a successful operation. All recoveries were handed over to the relevant authorities,” said Hawksworth.
Collaborative effort
The teams that participated during the operation were metro police, Fitama Security Services, eThekwini Fire Department, Durban Solid Waste, business licencing, Department of Health and border management authority.
The law enforcement agencies vowed to continue conducting raids in the shops in a bid to eradicate criminal activities in eThekwini.
On May 14, a similar operation was conducted at various shops in the Durban CBD, leading to the recovery of over 33 000 boxes of illicit cigarettes.
The suspects in both operations were charged and are due to appear at the Durban Magistrate’s Court soon.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
