Police seize illicit cigarettes worth over R50 000, arrest two
The police also seized over R180 000 in cash.
Pretoria West police recently apprehended two people for selling illicit cigarettes worth over R50 000 after they acted swiftly to a tip-off from partner SARS.
The men, aged 19 and 41, were busted selling illicit cigarettes in Vom Hagen Street at Pretoria West Tshwane Cash and Carry (Nazir Trading Ltd).
“The two were arrested and detained at the Pretoria West station and charged with contravening section 4A of the Tobacco Product Act 83 of 1993,” said police spokesperson, Constable Sibongile Vuma.
In addition to the cigarettes the police also seized a large sum of money as well.
“A total of 3 335 elicit cigarettes, namely Remington Gold and Sharp worth R50 200 and R188 940 in cash were seized and booked in exhibit bags for further investigation,” she said.
A booming illicit cigarette market has been one of the major concerns for the tobacco industry.
In late November, dozens of tobacco industry workers picketed outside Tshwane House during the parliamentary hearings into the Tobacco Control Bill.
The bill seeks to strengthen public health protection measures, align South African tobacco control law with the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework and repeal the Tobacco Control Act, of 1993 (Act No. 83 of 1993).
The proposed legislative and policy changes seek to introduce the following:
– Designate indoor public places and certain outdoor areas as 100% smoke-free.
– Ban the sale of cigarettes through vending machines.
– Introduce plain cigarette packaging with graphic health warnings and pictures.
– Ban displays at point-of-sale.
– Regulate and control electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems.
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court this week.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
