SAPS and the Hawks have taken down an illegal entjies operation in Atlantis.
The bust saw a Somali man arrested with counterfeit cigarettes worth around R704 400.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, an illegal firearm and ammunition as also seized.
He reports: “On Thursday, 3 April 2025 at about 11am, members attached to K9 Cape Town and The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) executed search warrants at Dolly Center in Wesfleur Circle, Atlantis, at a Somalian shop.
“The members found a 9mm Mokarev pistol with serial number removed, nine 9mm rounds of ammunition as well as 120 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes containing 230 cartons, worth an estimated R704 400.00.
“The members arrested a 39 year old Somalian male for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the possession of counterfeit cigarettes.”
The foreign national is expected to appear in the Atlantis Magistrates Court on Monday on the mentioned charges.
Meanwhile, Boland Public Order Police ensured a man appeared in the Wellington Magistrates Court on charges of having an imitation firearm, possession of ammunition and the possession of drugs.
The unknown suspect was chased down in St Patrick Street, Wellington after he saw the police patrol van approaching.
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana reports: The members gave chase, caught the suspect and searched him.
“During the search members found an imitation firearm, one 9mm round of ammunition, 10 mandrax tablets and sachets of tik and dagga in his possession.
“The 34 year old man was subsequently apprehended for possession of an imitation firearm, possession of ammunition and the possession of drugs.”