Suspect nabbed with illicit cigarettes worth R1.5-million

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A 55-year-old male has been arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million.

Suspect nabbed with illicit cigarettes worth R1.5-million — Acting on information received police followed-up on an unknown truck parked on a farm which led to the arrest of a suspect. **Images:** *SAPS*

This comes after a tip-off was received from an attentive farmer on Thursday evening, about suspicious activities on his farm in Zeerust.

According to North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, members responded to a call from a farmer who spotted an unknown truck, parked on his farm.

“On arrival, the police approached the truck and found a male inside. Upon searching the truck, illicit cigarettes were found and the man was arrested while the truck and cigarettes were confiscated,” she said.

The suspect will appear before the Zeerust magistrates’ court on Monday.

Investigations into the matter are underway by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

Col Myburgh highlighted that this is the second bust of illicit cigarettes within three days.

She added; “In the first incident, police and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R8 million in Makgobistad on Tuesday.”

North West provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the farmer for his vigilance and cooperation, which led to the discovery and subsequent arrest of the suspect.

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Meanwhile, police have continued to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods across the country.

The latest takedown operation took place this week at the corner of Rahima Moosa and Delvers Streets in the Johannesburg CBD.

On Wednesday, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit and its crime fighting partners executed a search and seizure warrant.

“This resulted in the seizure of over 15 000 counterfeit items with an estimated value of R12.8 million, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed.

Police seize counterfeit goods including sports apparel worth over R40m in Gauteng.

“The seized items included sports apparel, shoes, handbags, caps and perfumes as well as a printing machine and labels imitating well-known brands.

“Some of these items were found inside hidden compartments and drywalls.

“This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized in the month of June to over 40 000 counterfeit items worth over R40 million,” she concluded.