A JOINT enforcement operation between the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT), Durban Metro Police K9 Unit and private security company Fitama Protection Services confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at more than R321 000 on The Bluff recently.

Operations manager at Fitama Protection Services, Richard Hawksworth, said the operation was initiated following a request for assistance from the metro police K9 unit.

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Officers carried out co-ordinated raids on two retail outlets suspected of selling illicit tobacco products at below regulated pricing.

“Officials detained 5 861 packs of 20 cigarettes from a supermarket on The Bluff while a further 1 744 packs were confiscated from another store. In total, 7 605 packs of various illicit cigarette brands were seized during the operation,” said Hawksworth.

Authorities confirmed that price verification tests were conducted at both premises prior to the seizures.

“Shop attendants were present during the inspections and signed documentation acknowledging the findings. All confiscated goods were transported to a secure facility for safekeeping and are expected to be transferred to a state warehouse as part of ongoing enforcement procedures,” he said.

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Officials confirmed that detentions were made in connection with the operation. The NRRT said the operation forms part of continued efforts to clamp down on the illicit tobacco trade, which undermines legal markets and results in significant losses in tax revenue.

Last month, a multi-disciplinary enforcement operation was conducted on The Bluff, targeting illegal business activities and the sale of prohibited items. Two business premises were inspected.

The results of the operation

• Two business licences were confiscated pending further investigations.
• Immigration officials opened an enquiry into the authenticity of a marriage involving a Bangladeshi national.
• Customs seized large quantities of illicit cigarettes with a combined estimated value of over R616 000.
• Metro police K9 members arrested two Bangladeshi nationals for the sale of Schedule 6 medication (sex-enhancing pills).
• One of the suspects was also charged for possession of Section 36 property (SAPS exhibit bags).

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