Sedibeng police have intercepted an illicit cigarette haul worth an estimated R3.7 million and arrested two suspects in what authorities described as a major breakthrough against the illegal tobacco trade in Gauteng.
The operation unfolded on Wednesday afternoon after members attached to the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence unit in Sedibeng acted on tactical intelligence regarding a white UD truck allegedly transporting illicit cigarettes from Gauteng to QwaQwa.
According to police, the intelligence-driven operation was initiated after officers received information on May 19 indicating that the truck would be travelling along the R59 route through Vereeniging and Sasolburg carrying contraband cigarettes.
“At about 16:30 on May 20, members followed up on the information and established that the truck had already passed through Vereeniging towards Sasolburg. Sasolburg Infrastructure members were immediately alerted and provided with the truck’s particulars.”
Acting swiftly on the information, officers intercepted the truck at the intersection of the R82 and R57 before escorting it to Zamdela SAPS for further investigation and a detailed search.
During the search, police uncovered a substantial consignment of suspected illicit cigarettes concealed inside the vehicle, including 439 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes containing 25 packs each, 82 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes containing 50 packs each, as well as 78 boxes of Chelsea cigarettes containing 50 packs each.
The confiscated cigarettes are estimated to carry a street value of approximately R3.7 million.
Police said two men, aged 60 and 43, were taken into custody following the seizure. Initial investigations suggest the suspects were allegedly delivering the illicit cigarettes for an individual reportedly based in Springs.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to the possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes as investigations continue into the broader network linked to the operation.
The Star
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