POLICE ARREST THREE SUSPECTS AND SEIZE ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH R1.4 MILLION AT GROBLERSBRUG PORT OF ENTRY
POLOKWANE: Members of the South African Police Service stationed at Groblersbrug Port of Entry arrested three male foreign nationals, aged between 24 and 42, for allegedly attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes valued at R1.4 million on the evening of Tuesday, 06 May 2025.
The suspects were apprehended at approximately 18:00 after police stopped a white Volvo truck towing two white flatbed trailers, traveling from Zambia. During a routine inspection, officers identified suspicious modifications to a side-mounted toolbox beneath one of the trailers.
Upon further examination, the toolbox revealed a hidden compartment. Inside, officers uncovered 49 sealed boxes containing a total of 2,450 cartons of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes.
The estimated value of the seized contraband is R1.4 million. The truck and trailers, valued at approximately R800,000, were also confiscated as part of the investigation.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 08 May 2025, to face charges related to the smuggling of illicit goods.
Commending the operation, the Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the officers’ diligence:
“This interception highlights the unwavering dedication and vigilance of our border policing teams. It is a clear reflection of the success of our recently launched cross-border operations, which are aimed at combating transnational crime and enhancing security along Limpopo’s provincial boundaries.”
Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the seized contraband.
