PARKTOWN - The trade in and possession of illicit cigarettes (both duty-not-paid and counterfeit) are prohibited in South Africa and punishable by law. Police in Gauteng continue to apprehend individuals and syndicates who contravene the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 63 of 2008.

On Tuesday, 17 January 2023 detectives of Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) Project Team together with members of SAPS Eden Park and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) arrested a man in Palm Ridge for possession of illicit cigarettes.

The members reportedly operationalised a community tip-off they obtained on suspicious activity at a local shopping complex in Palm Ridge. The team proceeded to the identified address and conducted a search.

Over 1300 cartons of illicit cigarettes were recovered and the suspect was arrested.

Further investigation will confirm the suspect's residency status while he is expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrates' court.

Source: South African Police Service