CROWN GARDENS – Non-return of rented cars led to major counterfeit cigarettes bust in Munster Crescent, Crown Gardens on Thursday January 8.
Four suspects were arrested with 42 black bags of 50 cartons, making 2 100 cartons of cigarettes.
Hertz Risk Division’s Charlton Aubrey and Luther Bouwer made the arrest; Booysens Police were notified and the case was handed to Hawks. Also three vehicles were recovered, hired from car rental companies.
Warrant Officer Lorraine van Emmerik, Booysens Communication Officer confirmed the arrests.
She said on January 8, at about 12:00, members of Booysens SAPS were called to Munster Crescent in Crown Gardens to assist in a criminal matter. Upon arrival the SAPS members were approached by the community and were informed of the following.
A vehicle insurance company was investigating why a vehicle had not been returned to a hiring company. During the investigation it was found that the person had hired two other vehicles.
The investigator approached the address in Crown Gardens and asked people sitting in the street if they knew the person who had hired the car.
They were informed that the person was in the garage. The investigator opened the garage door where they saw seven unknown males packing cigarettes. The investigators arrested four of the suspects and the other three managed to get away.
Booysens SAPS were contacted and upon arrival placed the four suspects under arrest. A docket of possession of illegal cigarettes has been opened and investigation is still taking place.
