Hawks recover illicit cigarettes estimated at R800 000

An intelligence-driven operation by members of the Limpopo Hawks resulted in the discovery of illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of R800 000 along the N1 outside Louis Trichardt last Thursday.
Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke said information was received about a suspicious Nissan NP300 bakkie reportedly transporting illicit cigarettes from Zimbabwe into South Africa. The vehicle was spotted along the N1 and an attempt by the Police to intercept made but the driver sped off, according to Maluleke who added that the suspects evaded arrest by running into nearby vegetation and abandoning the vehicle.
During investigations Police found that the vehicle, recently reported stolen in Honeydew, Gauteng. was loaded with illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R800 000.
Maluleke indicated that the Hawks were on the hunt for the suspects and appealed to anyone with information to report to the nearest Police station.

Story: RC Myburgh
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