Three Chinese nationals are expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court after police uncovered an illicit liquor operation valued at nearly R9.75 million during a high-level intelligence-driven operation in the Western Cape.
The bust was carried out by the South African Police Service Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods policing team, working together with the Anti-Economic Crimes Task Team, following intelligence about a suspect linked to a liquor outlet in Stellenbosch and a warehouse operating in Paarl.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said officers tracked a suspect vehicle en route to Paarl on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and monitored its movements before it entered secured premises.
When the vehicle exited, officers attempted to intercept it, but the driver sped off, triggering a high-speed chase.
“The members tried to stop it, but the driver sped off. A high-speed chase ensued, and eventually the suspects’ vehicle stopped, and the driver fled on foot, leaving two occupants inside the vehicle,” Gwala said.
The suspect was later apprehended after a foot chase.
A search of the vehicle led officers to a consignment of illicit liquor, prompting the involvement of SARS Customs officials. Further searches were conducted at the warehouse, where additional stock was recovered.
Police confirmed the scale of the seizure, stating that they “confiscated illicit liquor worth R9,750,000 in Paarl” during the operation.
The three foreign nationals, identified as Chinese citizens, were taken into custody on the scene.
“The three Chinese nationals were arrested and will appear at the Paarl Magistrate’s Court once charged,” Gwala said.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za