Illicit cigarettes worth R4,2 mill uncovered, Kopfontein Port of Entry

South African Police Service

Illicit cigarettes worth R4,2 mill uncovered, Kopfontein Port of Entry
Illicit cigarettes worth R4,2 mill uncovered, Kopfontein Port of Entry

A 48-year-old suspect is expected to appear today in the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court for smuggling in illicit cigarettes.

The suspect was apprehended on Monday, 20 July 2020 at approximately 23:40 at Kopfontein Port of Entry. According to reports, the suspect was entering the country from Zambia via Botswana when his truck with Gauteng Province registration number was stopped for a search.

During the search by South African Police Service (SAPS) members, 152 master boxes of cigarettes with estimated value of R4 256 725 were found. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is due to appear for a similar offence before the court in Lephalale, Limpopo Province in August this year.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members for their vigilance which resulted in the success.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating.

SAPS Newsroom

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service