Three Chinese nationals have been arrested after police uncovered an illicit liquor operation in Paarl and confiscated alcohol valued at nearly R9.8 million.
The Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, working with the Anti-Economic Crimes Task Team, acted on intelligence linking a Stellenbosch liquor outlet owner to a warehouse in Paarl.
Officers monitored the suspect’s movements on Thursday, 4 June, and followed a vehicle to the warehouse.
When police attempted to stop the vehicle after it left the premises, the driver sped off, leading officers on a high-speed chase.
The driver eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot but was later arrested. Two other occupants were detained at the scene.
A search of the vehicle and warehouse uncovered large quantities of illicit liquor. The suspects are expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court once formally charged.
Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has commended the Western Cape Liquor Authority, the Police, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for the successful bust.
“This successful operation highlights the critical role played by the Western Cape Liquor Authority in protecting lawful trade, promoting compliance within the liquor industry, and supporting efforts to combat illicit economic activity. The vigilance and professionalism displayed by WCLA inspectors demonstrate the importance of proactive regulatory oversight in identifying criminal conduct that may otherwise go undetected.”
Marais noted that illicit liquor trading not only deprives the fiscus of vital revenue but also poses significant risks to consumer safety and undermines law-abiding businesses operating within the liquor sector.
It follows a similar incident in late May, where police seized over R3 million of illicit alcohol in Eerste River. One Chinese national was arrested during the operation.
