The South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested a 55-year-old man following a significant bust of illicit cigarettes on Thursday evening, 27 June 2024.
Acting on a tip-off from a vigilant farmer, the police were led to a farm in Zeerust where they uncovered cigarettes worth an estimated R1.5 million hidden in a truck.
The bust unfolded when the farmer reported a suspicious truck parked on his property.
Responding swiftly, the police arrived at the scene and discovered a man inside the truck.
A search of the vehicle revealed the illegal stash, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect and confiscation of both the truck and the cigarettes.
The arrested individual is scheduled to appear before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 01 July 2024.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has launched a thorough investigation into the incident.
This arrest marks the second significant seizure of illicit cigarettes in just three days.
Earlier, on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, a joint operation by the police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Makgobistad led to the confiscation of illicit cigarettes valued at R8 million.