The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Smuggling Team has made an inroad into the illicit trading of cigarettes by pouncing on an alleged smuggler on 1 September.
A 27-year-old South African man was arrested by the anti-smuggling unit for transporting R90 000 worth of contraband from Beitbridge into Limpopo province.
Police praised for cigarette smuggling bust
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Police Commissioner in Limpopo, praised the Limpopo tracking team for their “vigilance and resilience” in fighting such crimes in and around the province.
Working on a tip-off, police were on the lookout for a Hyundai ix35 that would be transporting a load of illegal cigarettes into the country from Beitbridge.
In a statement, Hadebe indicated police were monitoring the N1 northbound freeway for signs of the alleged smuggler.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle after it was spotted; however, the driver did not surrender and sped off instead.
The anti-smuggling team gave chase, and eventually the vehicle stopped on the R71 near Dalmada, outside Polokwane.
A search of the vehicle produced 15 master cases of Remington Gold cigarettes with a street value of R90 000.
“A 27-year-old South African driver was arrested. He will be charged with dealing in illicit cigarettes and reckless and negligent driving,” the police stated.
Police seized the vehicle used to transport the contraband in accordance with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The man is expected to appear before a Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo.
In July, the Saturday Star reported that the illicit cigarette trade costs South Africa R28 billion annually. This translates to R100 million per workday.
Research by Ipsos revealed that cigarettes sold by many shops across South Africa were obtained illegally.
What do you think of the illicit cigarette trade in South Africa?
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