Two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 23 and 35, have been arrested after illicit cigarettes valued at almost R2 million were discovered concealed beneath a load of coal in a truck at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in Limpopo’s Waterberg District.
The arrests followed information received by members of Border Policing and Customs on Friday, 21 August, concerning a truck suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes through the port.
Acting on the intelligence, law enforcement officials positioned themselves at the port and intercepted the identified truck as it entered the facility. A preliminary inspection raised suspicions that prohibited goods had been concealed beneath the coal.
The truck was subsequently moved to a designated search area, where the coal was offloaded for a more thorough inspection.
Officials then discovered bags containing master cartons of illicit cigarettes hidden beneath the coal.
A total of 4,800 cartons were seized, comprising 4,050 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes and 750 cartons of Swan cigarettes. The cigarettes have an estimated value of R1,996,800.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of a white and red international truck and two Afrit Tubmaster tipper trailers. The combined estimated value of the vehicles and trailers is R854,250.
The two suspects are expected to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August, where they will face a charge relating to the smuggling of illicit cigarettes.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the arrests and praised the vigilance and cooperation of the law-enforcement officials involved.
“The cooperation between law enforcement agencies at our ports of entry remains critical in disrupting these criminal networks,” Scheepers said.
The seizure represents another significant intervention at a major border crossing used for the movement of goods between South Africa and neighbouring countries.