Two arrested in 3.7m illicit cigarrete bust
Two suspects were arrested after large quantities of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized at Zamdela SAPS.
A truck transporting illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R3.7 million was intercepted by Sedibeng District police during a tactical operation conducted on Wednesday.
The success comes after an intelligence-driven operation carried out by members attached to Crime Intelligence.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela states that on May 19, police received crucial information regarding a white UD truck said to be transporting illicit cigarettes from Gauteng towards QwaQwa via the R59 route through Vereeniging and Sasolburg.
“At about 16:30 on May 20, members followed up on the information and established that the truck had already passed through Vereeniging and was headed towards Sasolburg. Sasolburg Infrastructure members were immediately alerted and provided with the truck’s particulars.”
The truck was subsequently spotted and stopped at an intersection along the R82 and R57, and escorted to Zamdela SAPS for further investigation and a detailed inspection.
During the search, police recovered large quantities of suspected illicit cigarettes, including 439 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes containing 25 pokes each, 30 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes containing 50 pokes each, 52 additional boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes containing 50 pokes each, and 78 boxes of Chelsea cigarettes containing 50 pokes each.
“The recovered goods were booked in at Zamdela SAP13, while the truck was booked in. Two suspects were arrested, aged 60 and 43. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting the cigarettes on behalf of an individual from Springs,” Maxambela adds.
The suspects face charges relating to the possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes. The Acting District Commissioner Brigadier MJ Manamela commended members from Crime Intelligence Sedibeng District and Sasolburg Infrastructure for their swift response.
Brigadier Manamela praised the officers for their effective coordination and commitment in combating organised crime and illicit trade within the district.
Maxambela confirms that investigations are ongoing, adding that the suspects in the matter will appear in the Sasolburg Magistrates Court.
