Johannesburg: Six store managers were arrested by Operation Vala Umgodi team during a Second-hand Goods Compliance inspection in the Free State. The operation, which took place in the Koppie Allen, Mooi, and Jan Hofmeyer Street areas, led to the confiscation of contraband goods, including illicit cigarettes and prohibited medicinal products.
According to South African Police Service, various cigarette brands such as Blue Chief, Remington Gold, Savanah Green, Boss, Sahawi, and Ossam, along with hubbly flavors like Afzal mint, F1, VIP, and Sniper, were discovered inside supermarkets and storage houses. Additionally, medical products including Betasol, Beneks, Diproson, Epiderm, Turmeric essential oils, Coco pulp cream, and Caro light cream were seized by the police. The total sales value of the confiscated contraband cigarettes and medicinal products is estimated at R235 855.
Case dockets for possession of illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Medicine Act 101 of 1965 have been opened at the Welkom Police Station. The six foreign nationals, hailing from Bangladesh and Ethiopia and aged between 30 and 51, are set to appear before the Welkom Magistrate Court soon.