WESTERN CAPE – A major R12 million illicit liquor seizure was executed in Plankenburg, Stellenbosch, following a coordinated crackdown by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Western Cape Liquor Authority, and the SARS Customs Unit. This joint operation successfully targeted an illegal storage facility, marking a significant disruption to the counterfeit and illicit goods trade in the region.
Acting on credible intelligence provided by the Western Cape Liquor Authority, law enforcement officials placed the suspected illicit liquor storage facility under close surveillance. On Thursday, 16 July 2026, officers moved in to secure the premises, resulting in the recovery of a substantial quantity of illegal alcohol.
According to police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the joint effort was meticulously planned to dismantle illegal trade networks that undermine legitimate businesses, threaten public health, and deprive the state of critical revenue.
Following the raid, the SARS Customs Unit officially took possession of the confiscated liquor. Concurrently, SAPS has opened a criminal case docket to facilitate further investigation into the supply chain and organizers of the operation. Authorities confirmed that no arrests have been made at this stage, but the probe remains highly active.
This operation forms part of broader, ongoing efforts by the Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Team to combat the illegal alcohol trade. Law enforcement continues to urge the public to share any credible information that could assist in tackling these crimes.
