Metro police confiscate illicit cigarettes, truck worth R20m

Tshwane metro police and the SAPS have impounded a truck carrying 1 000 master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at R20 million.

The police and metro police said in a statement the truck falsely declared its content as tea leaves on entry into South Africa at the notorious Beit Bridge border post.

The truck was stopped in Bronkhorstspruit in Pretoria in the early hours of Monday morning following a tip-off to the police.

“On being approached, the driver fled the scene and the truck and its consignment were detained. The truck and its content have been moved to a secure SARS facility,” the statement read.

SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter conveyed his gratitude to the anonymous person that provided the information.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to those patriotic South Africans that provided law enforcement with such valuable information that led to the impounding of the truck carrying illicit cigarettes. The country is battling the scourge of illicit cigarettes, smuggled from a neighbouring country,” Kieswetter said.

The commissioner said these acts not only sought to rob hard-working citizens of the taxes due.

“The message to crooks engaged in this criminal enterprise is that we will not tire to confront and deal with them decisively. The clarion call is, comply or face the consequences.”

Earlier this year a joint operation by the police and South African National Defence Force led to another truck ferrying illicit cigarettes being intercepted.

Since, SARS committed to tightening its customs to arrest the rate of illicit trade, improve the tax and customs ecosystems as well as protect the sovereignty of the country.

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