PARKTOWN: 06 May 2023 - Three suspects were arrested by members of Gauteng Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) unit in Johannesburg on the evening of Friday, 05 May 2023, after they were found with illicit cigarettes and prohibited medication worth millions of rands. Police received a tip-off about illicit cigarettes and drugs that were kept in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. The information was operationalised by members from OCI unit who strategically positioned themselves and raided the address given in Fordsburg.
Upon entering the premises, police found medicine that is protected by the The Medicines and Related Substances Act as well as a large quantity of illicit cigarettes hidden in the self-made ceiling shelf. Three suspects aged 23, 28 and 31 were arrested for contravention of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, Contravention of Customs and Excise Act (Possession of illicit cigarettes). A white Isuzu bakkie was confiscated as it was used in the commission of a crime.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, thanked the community members who continue to report criminal activities to the police. I salute the members of the community who witness crime and immediately report it to the police. I would also like to applaud my members from Organised Crime Investigation unit who acted with diligence to apprehend the suspects", said Lieutenant General Mawela.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at Johannesburg Magistrates' Court in due course. The public is urged to report crime and any criminal activity to the SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111, or to send tip-offs on MySAPS Application which can be downloaded on any smartphone.