Five nabbed for possession of illicit cigarettes

The Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) led a joint operation against crime in Cullinan on April 22.

TMPD, joined by various role players, apprehended five foreign male nationals for possession of illicit cigarettes and bribery.

According to TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba, the operation focused on a business run by foreign nationals.

“The supermarket was selling and stocking illicit cigarettes and was suspected of keeping illegal firearms,” he said.

He said officers found boxes of different types of cigarettes in the upper level of the shop during the search.

“Customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) were called to the scene to confirm and identify whether the cigarettes were illicit,” said Mahamba.

He said the cigarettes were then confiscated.

Mahamba said the officers proceeded to the suspects’ rented apartment in Rayton for a further search.

“A search for the firearms was conducted, which yielded no results,” said Mahamba, adding however, that more boxes of illicit cigarettes were found in the basement.

“The arrest of five foreign national males was effected for possession and storage of illicit cigarettes,” Mahamba said.

He said the street value of the illicit cigarette was R780 000.

In addition, Mahamba said one of the suspects tried to bribe an officer with R2 500 and was also arrested and charged for bribing a police officer.

“The suspects were arrested and detained at the nearest police station,” he said.

Mahamba said TMPD commends its officersfor their continued efforts and dedication to combat crime in Tshwane.

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