Three Bangladesh men were arrested in Palm Ridge after the EMPD Specialised Task Team Unit (STT) visited the Vulindlela Mini Mall on September 28.
According to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, they visited the supermarket after they received information from a whistleblower that the shop sells fake products to the community.
When SAPS and the EMPD STT Unit visited the shop, illegal skin bleaching products worth R20 000, pharmaceuticals (medicine) worth R50,000, and illegal cigarettes worth R2m were found and taken to the closest police station for safekeeping.
“The three Bangladesh male suspects, including the business owner, tried to bribe officers with R10 000 and are facing criminal charges,” said Thepa.
The suspects are facing charges of possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of pharmaceutical products, possession of skin bleaching merchandise and defeating the ends of justice.
According to Kelebogile, since the detained suspects were unable to show valid and pertinent documentation, additional charges under the Migrations Act may have been added.
The trio was held at the Eden Park Police Station and is scheduled to appear in court soon in Palmridge.
