“Two Arrested in Thembisa for Selling Illicit Cigarettes and Obstructing Justice in Midnight Raid”

by Hope Ngobeni

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In a coordinated operation on the night of December 10, a team of law enforcement officers arrested two men in Thembisa for possession of illicit cigarettes and obstruction of justice. The midnight operation, which involved the EMPD Community Liaison Unit (CLU) alongside various other law enforcement agencies, led to the confiscation of a substantial quantity of illegal tobacco products.

The operation was initiated after the EMPD Specialised Services acted on information received from a reliable source, indicating that an Ethiopian national was allegedly selling illicit cigarettes from a shop located in Winnie Mandela Zone 2. Upon reaching the premises, officers discovered and seized an alarming 150 cartons of fake Rudland and George cigarettes, 160 cartons of Sharp cigarettes, and 88 additional packets of various other cigarette brands. Additionally, R1,000 in cash was found on-site.

During the course of the operation, a 40-year-old man attempted to obstruct the officers in their efforts to conduct the raid. His interference did not go unnoticed, and he was swiftly arrested for obstruction of justice. Both the 40-year-old man and the Ethiopian shop owner were taken into custody and transported to the Thembisa South African Police Service (SAPS) station.

The two suspects now face multiple charges, including dealing in illicit cigarettes and obstruction of justice. Authorities confirmed that they will appear in court soon to answer for their alleged involvement in illegal tobacco trade activities. The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to combat the distribution of illicit goods in the community, ensuring that offenders face the consequences of their actions.

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