Police has dealt a major blow to a crime syndicate when they seized illegal cigarettes.

Three Bangladesh nationals were arrested during this operation,  Operation Shanela II, that took place on December 19.

Police were searching a house in Ext 10 and discovered the cigarettes packed in 226 boxes.

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The suspects were charged with illegal possession of illicit cigarettes.

This success follows another significant arrest on December 18, this time in Springvalley Informal Settlement in Reyno Ridge.

Acting on information, Witbank SAPS units moved into the informal settlement and arrested a 49-year-old Nigerian national allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed revolver and live ammunition.

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In addition to the firearm charges, the suspect is facing charges for the Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

All suspects are currently in custody and are expected to make their first appearance at the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga said, “Operation Shanela II remains a key intervention in restoring law and order, thereby stamping the authority of the state. The operation also aims at ensuring safety for communities.”

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