A 49 year old Zimbabwean national was arrested in Limpopo after police intercepted a truck carrying illicit tobacco valued at approximately R1.5 million, authorities said on Friday.
The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Provincial Tracking Team, with support from Tshimollo Security and Investigations, targeting suspected tobacco smuggling activities between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Police said they received information about a white Nissan truck allegedly transporting illicit tobacco from Zimbabwe to Gauteng Province. Officers subsequently placed the vehicle under surveillance before intercepting it on the R518 road in the Moletlane policing area on Thursday afternoon.
During a search of the truck, officers discovered 333 master boxes of Hookar tobacco concealed inside the vehicle. The tobacco has an estimated street value of R1.5 million.
“The successful anti-smuggling operation was executed following intelligence received about a white Nissan truck transporting illicit tobacco from Zimbabwe and destined to Gauteng Province,” said police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
The driver, identified as a 49 year old Zimbabwean national, was arrested at the scene. Further investigations revealed that he was allegedly in South Africa illegally.
Authorities seized both the illicit tobacco and the Nissan truck used to transport the consignment. Police estimated the value of the truck at R800,000, bringing the combined value of the confiscated goods to approximately R2.3 million.
“The 49 year old male driver, a Zimbabwean national, was immediately arrested on the spot. Further investigations established that the suspect was in the country illegally,” Ledwaba said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Zebediela Periodical Court on Monday, facing charges related to the alleged contravention of the Customs and Excise Act as well as the Immigration Act.
Police said investigations into the smuggling operation are continuing and have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.
The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade and cross-border smuggling, which authorities say deprive the state of revenue and fuel organized criminal activity.
“We seized 333 master boxes of Hookar tobacco with an estimated street value of R1.5 million,” Ledwaba said, adding that police remain committed to disrupting illicit trafficking networks operating within the province.
The case remains under investigation.