Polokwane – Two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested after illicit cigarettes worth nearly R2 million were allegedly found concealed beneath a load of coal at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in Limpopo.
The suspects, aged 23 and 35, were arrested on Friday after members of Border Policing and Customs received information about a truck suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes through the port.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the information was received at about 11am, prompting officers to intercept the truck when it entered the port.
A preliminary inspection raised suspicions that prohibited goods had been concealed underneath the coal, leading officers to move the truck to a designated search area.
“The coal was offloaded, and members discovered bags containing master cartons of illicit cigarettes concealed beneath the load,” SAPS said.
Police confiscated 4,800 cartons of cigarettes, consisting of 4,050 cartons of Remington Gold and 750 cartons of Swan cigarettes.
The cigarettes have an estimated value of R1,996,800.
Police and Customs officials also seized a white and red international truck and two Afrit Tubmaster tipper trailers, with a combined estimated value of R854,250.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the arrests and praised the cooperation between law-enforcement agencies.
“The cooperation between law-enforcement agencies at our ports of entry remains critical in disrupting these criminal networks,” Scheepers said.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August, on charges related to the alleged smuggling of illicit cigarettes.
Police said investigations are continuing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
