Pretoria - Tshwane metro police made their biggest bust when they seized eight tonnes of illegal fireworks at an inner city shop on Monday.
The fireworks were confiscated at the Frontline supermarket at the corner of Paul Kruger and Bloed streets in Marabastad said the city's executive director for communication services, Console Tleane.
"The bust is the biggest this season after five tonnes were confiscated last Wednesday in Atteridgeville," said Tleane.
The shop owner was fined R5000 and had his licenses and permits to deal in fireworks immediately revoked.
Last Wednesday, five tonnes of fireworks were confiscated in Atteridgeville, followed by three tonnes in Marabastad on the same day as well as two tonnes on Christmas Day. In total 18 tonnes of fireworks have been confiscated since the beginning of the operation on 14 December.
These busts are a result of undercover work done by the metro police dressed in civilian clothing. The confiscated fireworks will be stored at the Explosives Centre.
Since the beginning of the operation 81 premises have been inspected for fireworks violations.
"Additionally, the metro police is now working with other state agencies to investigate the possibility of a syndicate that deals in illegal imported goods, thus violating customs control regulations and possibly committing fraud by concealing correct information. Arrests may follow," said Tleane.
