Cigarettes worth millions seized
Two men were arrested for possession of R5,3-million counterfeit cigarettes late Tuesday night.
Members from the Organised Crime Unit and the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa made the arrest at a property in Second Avenue, Cloverdene, at 11pm.
When officials arrived they spotted a truck at the residence with wooden pallets in it.
“The SAPS members searched the occupants, who claimed that they were only told to deliver the pallets at the said address,” said Crystal Park SAPS media liaison officer Tryna Maritz.
“When the SAPS members searched the trailer and pallets, they found 717 boxes of illegal cigarettes, with a street value of R5.3-m hidden between the pallets.”
The truck is believed to have come from Botswana.
The two suspects, aged 34 and 53, were arrested for being in possession of counterfeit cigarettes and detained at Crystal Park SAPS.
The case is being investigated by the Organised Crime Unit.
The suspects will appear in the Benoni Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 20.
