| 2024/05/24 |
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Media Statement KWAZULU-NATAL – On Wednesday 22 May 2024, Hawks members from Pietermaritzburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation working together with Estcourt police station members, South African Revenue Services Customs (SARS) and brand holders seized a large quantity of illicit liquor in one of the warehouses in Estcourt. Members received information from Estcourt police about a hijacked truck that was offloading tons of sugar at a warehouse. Three suspects were arrested and charged for possession of property suspected to be stolen. Further investigation revealed that in the adjacent site within the warehouse there was a large quantity of liquor. Hawks members were notified and they proceeded to the said warehouse. Upon arrival, SARS Customs and brand holders were summoned to the scene. Tests were conducted and it was established that it was counterfeit as well as illicit liquor. Some of the illicit liquor which was imported did not meet the South African alcohol standard by volume percentage, thus not allowed for sale in the Republic. SARS Customs seized those items for duty verification and further investigation purposes. Counterfeit bottles of liquor including fake labels and boxes were seized by the Hawks in terms of Counterfeit Goods Act. The monetary value of the seized liquor is estimated at R1.6 million. The suspected owner will be charged for contravention of Counterfeit Goods Act, including charges that will be preferred by the State. The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona commended the members for the job well done. Ends
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