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News: Foreign national male nabbed at Beitbridge Port of Entry for attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes worth over R2 million
2025/03/20

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

 

POLOKWANE - Police in Limpopo have arrested a  44-year-old foreign national male at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at approximately 03:15 for attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes with  customs value of  R2,139 000-00.

During routine profiling and searches of trucks at the South Gate entering the Republic of SA, police stopped a freight liner truck with Gauteng registration. The driver presented a manifest indicating that the truck was empty. However, a thorough search revealed that the truck was laden with pallets and several boxes positioned in front of the pallets. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the commercial ramp where it was opened, revealing it was loaded with 460 boxes. Each box, when opened, contained 100 cartoons of Remington Gold cigarettes.

Following the discovery, the suspect was detained at SAPS Musina and charged with smuggling of illicit cigarettes. He is scheduled to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 March 2025.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the diligent efforts of the officers involved in the operation and reiterated the commitment of the South African Police Service to clamp down on cross-border criminal activities.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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