Pretoria - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have confiscated over R2 million worth of suspected stolen alcohol.
According to SARS, 14 000 boxes of illegal alcohol were discovered at a bottle store in Pretoria’s Marabastad area, on Friday.
Despite initial denials by the owner of the bottle store that any alcohol was stored in the backyard, officials discovered brands such as Smirnoff, Jameson, Bols, Harrier, KWV, Wellington, Klipdrift, Cape Hope, Johnny Walker Black and Red – with a retail value of around R2 125 200.
“The goods were subsequently detained and removed to the state warehouse. Criminal investigations are to be undertaken by the SAPS as it is alleged that the alcohol was stolen,” said SARS on Tuesday.
In a separate incident also on Friday, SARS officials at the Ficksburg border post stopped a truck carrying 129 bales of blankets.
It was discovered that the importer had falsified the declaration, claiming it was ladies shoes. The goods on the truck were detained and will possibly be forfeited to the state, pending further investigation by SARS’s Criminal Investigation division.
“These busts are significant and follow a spate of recent seizures by SARS as a result of programmes implemented following the appointment of SARS Commissioner Tom Moyane, which amongst others, have resulted in improving systems, process enhancements and a renewed commitment to combating organised crime and illicit trade activities.” - SAnews.gov.za
