LOOK: Gas tanker driver busted with R7.8m in illicit cigarettes

A 49-year-old truck driver was busted for allegedly smuggling illicit cigarettes worth over R7.8 million in North West.

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Gas tanker driver arrested for smuggling cigarettes worth over R7.8 million

The Hawks received a tip-off about a large consignment of illicit cigarettes stowed on a gas tanker heading from Buffelshoek to Potchefstroom.

“The truck was spotted and searched and 482 master cases containing 50 cartons of illicit Chelsea cigarettes were discovered. Additionally, in separate compartment,109 master cases containing 25 cartons were also found,” said Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso.

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All the illicit cigarettes and the gas tanker were seized for further investigation. The driver was arrested.

The 49-year-old is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 5 May, on charges of possession of illicit cigarettes and the contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.

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A similar incident recently saw the South African Revenue Service (SARS) seize illegal smokes worth approximately R20 million.

The contraband was found in a truck that entered the country via the Beitbridge Border Post. The cigarettes were declared as tea leaves. The truck driver fled before the authorities reached him.

READ MORE: SARS seize illicit cigarettes worth R20m in Bronkhorstspruit

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