Members of the Bloemfontein Public Order Police Unit were conducting Safer Festive Season #OperationShanela II actions in Mangaung Metro when they received information requesting urgent backup to search a suspected Isuzu truck carrying illicit cigarettes travelling towards Bloemfontein via the N1 National Road and Raymond Mhlaba Road.
The information was followed up and the truck fitting the description was spotted and pulled over with the assistance of the Bloemfontein K9 Unit. Upon preliminary investigation, the two occupants were escorted to Navilsig SAPS for further investigation.
During the search of the truck, the following was found:
– 100 boxes of Savanna brand cigarettes
– 100 boxes of Chief brand cigarettes
– 100 boxes of Sahawi brand cigarettes
– Total: 300 boxes of illicit cigarettes
– Total estimated value: R4 000 000
The truck and the cigarettes were confiscated and booked in the Evidence Management System. A case docket was opened. DESTEA and the SARS Illicit Trading Unit were contacted to form part of the investigation.
