By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A 44-year-old foreign national was arrested at the Beitbridge Port of Entry for smuggling illicit cigarettes worth over R14.4 million. Police discovered 710 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes hidden in a truck tanker, which was confiscated along with the vehicle.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate Court soon.
A statement that was released by SAPS indicated the driving was towing a tanker trailer when he stopped by police at the port of entry and failed to give the security personnel a satisfactory answer when asked what was he carrying.
The driver told police that it was empty but they suspected to be loaded and it was taken to the ramp zone at the commercial side and searched.
“During the search, police discovered that it was fully loaded with illicit cigarettes of Remington Gold brand and the suspect failed to provide satisfactory explanation regarding the origin of the cigarettes and he was immediately placed under arrest on the spot,” said SAPS in the statement.
During the arrest, police confiscated 710 boxes of Remington Gold illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R14 449 363-00 and a truck tanker valued at R2 500 000.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sterling work that was executed by the police for apprehending a 44 year-old foreign National and the confiscation of large quantity of illicit cigarettes, thus breaking the back bone of illicit trade in the borders.