THE Durban Metro Police Service, along with other units, conducted an enforcement operation on The Bluff on March 16, where they seized illicit cigarettes worth more than R616 000. The operation targeted illegal commercial activities and the sale of prohibited goods.

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This multi-agency operation involved SARS Customs, the Business Licensing Unit, Immigration officials, the Durban Metro Police K9 Unit, and the Metro Police By-law Compliance Unit.

During the raid, two business premises suspected of operating unlawfully were examined by the joint teams.

“As a result of the inspections, 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), and one of the suspects was also charged for possession of Section 36 property (SAPS exhibit bags),” read the statement from the Durban Metro Police Service.

Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody at the Brighton Beach police station for further processing.

The operation underscored the critical role of collaboration among multiple enforcement agencies, said the metro police. The Durban Metro Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to clamping down on illicit trade, ensure compliance with municipal by-laws and protect communities from illegal activities within the City.

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