Cape Town Police Confiscate Fake Cigarettes, Vapes, and Expired Food Worth R200 000

• Cape Town police have arrested a suspect and seized over R200,000 of counterfeit and illicit goods.
• The goods are believed to potentially pose a health risk to the community and negatively impact legitimate businesses
• The suspect, a 43-year-old man, is expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court

Reitumetse Makwea, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Pretoria, South Africa, has covered court and crime-related news at The Citizen and Rekord Noweto for over five years.

An intelligence-driven operation in Mitchells Plain has resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a significant quantity of contraband.

In a statement, the police noted they confiscated counterfeit and illicit goods ranging from expired food products, vape products and cigarettes, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

Read also

R12 million illicit cigarettes seized at a roadblock in Free State

"These products pose a health risk to communities and have a negative impact on registered businesses in the area."

See the post on X below:

Protecting people's health

This effort, aimed at protecting the economy and public health, underscores the authorities' commitment to cracking down on illegal activities that undermine legitimate businesses.

The operation, conducted on Monday, 1 July 2024, was spearheaded by police members from the National and Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit.

The team targeted a local business hub in Mitchells Plain, acting on detailed intelligence.

Their search led to the confiscation of various counterfeit and illicit items, including expired food products, vape products, cigarettes, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Man arrested for the fake goods

A 43-year-old man was detained on charges of dealing in counterfeit and illicit goods.

Read also

Verulam businesses petrol-bombed: Swift evacuation and response

The estimated value of the confiscated items is R200,000.

Once formal charges are filed against him, the suspect is expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court.

The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving the sale of counterfeit products.

Limpopo police stop skin bleaching smuggling operation at Groblersbrug Port

The Lephalale Magistrate's Court has remanded 46-year-old Matthews Ncube in custody for attempting to smuggle illicit skin-lightening creams into SA.

Arrested at the Groblersbrug port of entry, Ncube will remain in custody until 6 June, pending a formal bail application.

Limpopo police commend the vigilance and dedication of officers in intercepting the smuggled goods during a routine inspection.

Source: Briefly News