Counterfeit cigarette smugglers use tow truck to conceal goods – Mandeni police
Seven boxes containing 140 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes were discovered.
The police are sending out a stern warning to criminals attempting to ‘pull the wool’ over the eyes of officers, saying that they will be left disappointed.
Police seized 140 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes at the Mandeni toll plaza on the N2 on July 21 during a stop and search operation.
Provincial Saps spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker said the police searched a Mercedes Benz Vito being towed, where they discovered the illegal goods.
Seven boxes containing 140 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes were found.
The 45-year-old tow truck driver, Tawanda Mukondiwa, was arrested and charged for being in possession of counterfeit goods.
He has since appeared in the Mandeni Magistrates Court.
Further investigations revealed that the Mercedes Benz Vito had been used to smuggle counterfeit goods into the country.
“We are extremely proud that our members remain extra vigilant when they out on operations.
“I hope that this arrest serves as a warning to criminals that our police officers are always on the lookout for such tricks,” said KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.
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