On bail trucker nabbed at Kopfontein border for smuggling R4m illicit cigarettes into the country

A 48-year-old truck driver, apparently on bail for a case of smuggling illicit cigarettes, has been nabbed at Kopfontein Port of entry while trying to smuggle 152 master boxes of counterfeit cigarettes into the country.

The suspect was apprehended on Monday, 20 July 2020 at approximately 23h40 at Kopfontein Port of Entry.

According to reports, the suspect was entering the country from Zambia via Botswana when his truck with Gauteng Province registration number was stopped for a search.

During the search by South African Police Service (SAPS) members, 152 master boxes of cigarettes with an estimated value of R4 256 725 were found.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is due to appear for a similar offence before the court in Lephalale, Limpopo Province in August this year.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members for their vigilance which resulted in the success.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating.

He is expected to appear today in the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court.