Illicit hookah products worth R3.8m confiscated by Limpopo police
Police confiscated 908 boxes of premium hookah flavour boxes after stopping a truck on the R521 near Dendron on Wednesday (September 11).
POLOKWANE – A total of 908 boxes containing premium hookah flavour boxes wrapped in plastic was confiscated and two men arrested by Limpopo police on Wednesday (September 11).
The duo’s arrest follows swift reaction by police to a tip-off about a truck travelling on the R521 near Dendron, transporting illicit goods.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said members of the Capricorn District Flying Squad tactically approached a white Rigid Man truck and stopped it along the R521.
“Upon searching it, police found 908 boxes containing premium hookah flavour wrapped in plastic with one of the boxes found opened. The illicit flavour was confiscated at an estimated value of R3.8m,” his statement read.
Ledwaba said the suspects aged 34 and 46, were placed under arrest after they failed to provide the necessary documents for the goods and that SARS was also summoned to the scene.
“During the arrest, one of the suspects tried to bribe the officers, and an additional charge of bribery was added against him. The suspect’s truck valued at R400 000 was also confiscated.”
The men will appear before the Mogwadi Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of illicit hookah products, Contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and bribery.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the members for accurately responding to the information received which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
