Huge illegal cigarette bust
The police in Carletonville tasted sweet success last week when they arrested a man from Welverdiend for being in possession of illegal cigarettes.
According to the communication officer of the police in Carletonville, WO Peter Masooa, the 23-year-old suspect was arrested on 28 January after a tip-off from a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Members of the K9 unit were conducting a routine stop and search when they received inform- ation about a suspicious bakkie loaded with boxes at around 20:00. They swiftly reacted to the inform-ation, which led them to a house in Welverdiend.
The police searched the boxes and found that they were packed with illegal cigarettes. They also searched the man’s garage and discovered more boxes loaded with the same stock.
A total of 86 boxes of illegal cigarettes with a street value of R108,000 were discovered during the operation.
“Dealing in illicit cigarettes is considered an offence, punishable by law.
“The illegal trading in cigarettes also poses a serious threat to public health as it is easily accessible and affordable which can lead to substance dependency,” Masooa explains.
The district commissioner, Maj-Genl Fred Kekana, praised the members for their swift reaction, which resulted in the breakthrough. He further thanked the members of the community, while commending an off-duty officer who also shared information that led to the arrest.
‘We will continue routing out illegal activities and ensuring that those who commit crimes are brought to book,” says Kekana.
