The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded police for their vigilance and alertness which resulted in the arrest of a 44 year-old foreign national for smuggling illicit cigarettes worth more than fourteen million rands at Beitbridge Port of Entry on Saturday 18 January 2025.

It is reported that the suspect was driving a white truck with a tanker trailer when he was stopped by the police at the port of entry. 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.

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 suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate Court soon facing a charge of smuggling of illicit cigarettes.

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

Police investigations are continuing.

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