CRIME SCENE: Saldanha, West Coast: There will be some very thirsty throats on the West Coast this weekend after a big consignment of illicit alcohol, worth almost half a million rand, was seized.

The police’s Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods teams, in collaboration with the Western Cape Liquor Board and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Unit, confiscated the liquor worth R420 000 on Monday, 3 August 2026.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the teams conducted an intelligence-driven operation in the West Coast area and recovered various illicit liquor brands and an undisclosed amount of cash. Although no arrests have been made, the circumstances surrounding the matter are under investigation.

Western Cape SAPS said it condemned the sale and distribution of illicit liquor.

“Community members are urged to report illegal liquor outlets, as they pose a serious threat to South Africa’s economic stability and consumer safety,” said SAPS.