Three Chinese nationals netted in R9.7m Illegal liquor warehouse bust in Paarl
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.
