Truck and illicit cigarettes valued at R1,500, 000 seized

A truck transporting illicit cigarettes valued at R1,500, 000 from Limpopo to Gauteng did not reach its destination after its occupants were intercepted last week.

TIP-OFF ASSIST THE POLICE IN INTERCEPTING ILLICIT CIGARETTE TRUCK

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the two suspects were apprehended for transportation of illicit cigarettes along the R71 public road at Dalmada outside Polokwane on Friday 23 September.

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“Makhado Crime Intelligence Unit received information from a member of the community about an 8 Ton truck that was driven from Musina by two suspects who were heading to Alberton in Gauteng Province.”

Mojalepo

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MORE THAN TWO UNITS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE ARREST

He said an intelligence-driven operation was then conducted by Mankweng South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP) team together with the Polokwane police to monitor the truck from the N1 North road where the truck was monitored from Makhado until it was stopped and searched at Dalmada area under Polokwane policing area.

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“Police found the truck loaded with 152 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes. The suspects failed to account for the origin of the cigarettes. The truck and the illicit cigarettes valued at R1,500, 000 were seized during the arrest,” he said.

PROVINCIAL COMMISIONER PLEASED BY UNITS WORKING TOGETHER

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the police for a well-coordinated operation and also thanked community members for continuously assisting the police in the fight against crime.

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The suspects aged 39 and 49 will appear in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 September 2022.

Mojapelo concluded to say the police investigation will continue.