Illicit cigarettes valued at just over R7-million were confiscated by members of the Crime Intelligent Unit at a truck mechanical garage in Anderbolt on February 17.
Members of the unit, together with the SARS Customs National Rapid Response Team and the Boksburg North Trio Task Team, followed up on a tip-off about a truck suspected of carrying illicit cigarettes.
According to Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube, when officers arrived at the given address, they found an elderly man who identified himself as the father of the owner of the premises.
“The police then asked who the owner of the truck was, and he said the two trucks were brought by two African men. He allowed the police to search the place. During the search, the police found 560 master case boxes of illicit cigarettes which contained 50 cartoons at an estimated value of R7 734 000,” said Ramaube.
Ramaube said the illicit cigarettes are believed to be imported from Zimbabwe.
The truck and its load have been taken to a warehouse in Johannesburg.
“No suspects have been arrested so far. A case of dealing with and smuggling of illicit cigarettes has been opened at the Boksburg North SAPS,” Ramaube said.
Boksburg North SAPS station commander Col Khumbulani Mbatha applauded the team for discovering the stock.
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