Foreign national arrested in Vhembe for illicit cigarettes
A 42-year-old man was arrested in Vhembe with R40 000 worth of illicit cigarettes and was found to be in the country illegally.
LIMPOPO – A 42-year-old foreign national was arrested in Waterval on Saturday (January 3) for illegally dealing in illicit cigarettes and contravening the Immigration Act.
The arrest followed a targeted, multidisciplinary operation in the Vhembe District.
The joint team, comprising provincial detectives and the Limpopo Flying Squad, was investigating syndicates suspected of storing illicit cigarettes in the area.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the suspect was found in possession of multiple cartons of Express Royal brand illicit cigarettes during the operation.
The goods have an estimated street value of R40 000.
Further investigation revealed the suspect was in the country illegally, leading to the additional charge of contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court today (January 5) to face the combined charges.
Police confirm their investigations are ongoing.
