Illicit cigarettes among tomato crates: Limpopo cops pounce on traders
The load was intended to travel to Rustenburg.
LIMPOPO – The police in Alldays in the Makhado cluster confiscated 30 boxes of Remington Gold and Pacific Blue cigarettes, found hidden between crates of tomatoes.
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said in a statement that police received information about two trucks transporting tomatoes as well as boxes of cigarettes. The trucks are believed to come from a farm near the Pontdrift border post and was intended to travel to Rustenburg in North-West.
“A snap operation which comprised police members from Alldays, the Makhado cluster and the Crime Intelligence unit, was then conducted in the area. The vehicles, matching the descriptions given, were spotted along the R572 Swartwater road next to the Mogalakwena bridge and ordered to stop,” Mojapelo said.
Photo: SAPS Limpopo
Four suspects, the two drivers and their crew members were arrested at around 14:30 on Wednesday, 17 June and the trucks were escorted to the Alldays police station.
“Thirty boxes of cigarettes estimated at R403 148 were found hidden between crates of tomatoes. The suspects, aged between 26 and 32, will appear before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court today, 18 June, facing charges of the possession of illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Customs and Excise Act,” Mojapelo said.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/434473/major-drug-bust-on-game-farm-outside-marble-hall/
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Jan Scheepers thanked community members for providing valuable information to the police to ensure their success in the fight against crime.
