A routine vehicle checkpoint on the N1 near Vaal Plaza led to the arrest of a 35 year old man and the seizure of suspected illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R7.5 million, police said on Wednesday.
The arrest followed an operation conducted by members of the Fezile Dabi District Highway Patrol on Tuesday afternoon as part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade in tobacco products.
According to police, officers were conducting stop and search operations when they identified a suspicious Isuzu truck travelling in the direction of Kroonstad. The vehicle was placed under surveillance before being intercepted at the Engen One Stop service station along the N1.
A subsequent search of the truck uncovered 430 boxes of suspected illicit cigarettes. The contraband was confiscated and the truck used to transport the goods was seized as evidence.
“The search resulted in the confiscation of 430 boxes of suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R7.5 million,” police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani said in a statement. “The vehicle was escorted to Parys SAPS for further investigation.”
Authorities believe the seizure represents a significant blow to the illicit tobacco trade, which continues to deprive the state of tax revenue and fuel organised criminal activity.
The suspect was arrested on charges relating to the possession of suspected illicit cigarettes and is expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
Police investigations into the origin and intended destination of the cigarettes are continuing.