Three suspects were arrested with illicit cigarettes and some other items worth more than R2.5 million in Hazyview on August 22.
Two of the three suspects are men, aged 30 and 35, and the other one is a 61-year-old woman. They were taken into custody by the Operation Shanela team who were deployed by the SAPS Provincial Office. This team consists of members of the tactical response teams, K9 Unit, public order police, Flying Squad, Mounted Unit, visible policing, the police bikers and the detective services.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the team was busy conducting compliance checking at liquor outlets in the Calcutta area when they received credible information regarding a truck suspected of being used to transport contraband goods.
When searching inside the premises, the team also discovered about 10 rounds of live ammunition
“Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the officers traced the information to a residential property in Hazyview. Upon investigation, a substantial quantity of contraband items, valued at over R2.5 million, was discovered inside a truck.
“It was during this time that the police cornered and arrested the three suspects. When searching inside the premises, the team also discovered about 10 rounds of live ammunition. The suspects will face charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as possession of illicit goods,” said Mdhluli.
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He also said the trio is currently in police custody pending their court appearance soon and the investigation continues as the team of investigators gather further evidence in relation to this matter.
