Two alleged undocumented migrants found in possession of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of more than R2 million were arrested on Monday (27/7). Police intercepted the two-ton truck on the N12 near Matlosana.

North West police spokesperson Sgt Kelebogile Morake said members of the Public Order Policing Unit and the Potchefstroom Flying Squad were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation when they intercepted the truck.

“The truck was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of numerous master boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed inside,” she said.

The driver and his crew member, aged 39 and 41, were arrested at the scene. Morake said the truck had been travelling from Potchefstroom to Klerksdorp when it was intercepted near Alabama. 

Police seized about 119 boxes of cigarettes during the operation.

“This arrest is likely to lead to more arrests, because it is clear the cigarettes were intended for sale somewhere. Because it was a large quantity of cigarettes that were seized, police will investigate both the source of the cigarettes and the intended buyers,” she said.

The Department of Home Affairs was engaged to verify the two suspects’ immigration status.

“There hasn’t been any feedback from Home Affairs regarding the immigration status, and we are still waiting for SARS to make an affidavit regarding the illicit goods.”

Acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo commended the officers involved, saying the seizure demonstrates the police’s commitment to combatting the illicit tobacco trade, which undermines the economy and fuels organised crime.

“Those who choose to engage in these unlawful activities must know that the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” he said.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa mvh

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