Police recently seized 130 boxes of illegal cigarettes worth an estimated R1.6 million.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising members from the North Cape Border Police, Springbok Public Order Police, Springbok K9 patrol unit and Springbok Highway as well as Sars customs encountered the perpetrators during compliance inspection operations.
Read also: Hawks bust R30 million worth of illicit cigarettes, five arrested
According to the police spokesman, Sergeant Timothy Sam, the law enforcement officers received a tip about the illegal trade. He was given an address that marked where it happened.
Sergeant Sam said he then went to the scene on Friday, March 10, 2023.
“The team is conducting a compliance inspection operation and visiting the establishment based on the information received,” he said.
During the search, the police found a shipment ordered by a foreign national whose destination was from Upington to Springbok.
Sergeant Sam confirmed that the shipment contained 95 Boxes of Sahawi and 35 boxes of mixed brand cigarettes with an estimated value of R1.6 million.
Seven days
The owner was asked to provide the necessary documents to the authorities allowing him to have the consignment, but Sergeant Sam said he was unable to provide the relevant documents at the time.
So, all the shipments were confiscated.
“The 44-year-old foreigner has seven days to submit the necessary documents to the authorities,” Sergeant Sam said.
Meanwhile, a day earlier, a 32-year-old man was arrested for possession of illegal cigarettes in Polokwane.
According to a police report filed by Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol found a suspicious-looking man carrying a box and entering a shop in the Polokwane CBD.
Mojapelo said officers immediately approached the suspect and searched him, finding 30 cartons of illegal cigarettes worth about R3000.
“The man was later arrested and will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court,” Mojapelo said.
The illicit tobacco trade is a significant problem in South Africa, with estimates suggesting that up to one-third of all cigarettes consumed in the country are smuggled or counterfeit.
This illegal trade costs the South African government billions of rand in lost tax revenue every year, and has been linked to organized crime and other illegal activities.
The authorities have made efforts to crack down on the illegal trade in cigarettes, but it remains an ongoing challenge.
Compiled by Devina Haripersad
NOW Read: Two foreign nationals arrested for dealing in illegal cigarettes