Police confiscate more illicit cigarettes and arrest a suspect

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West

POTCHEFSTROOM - The fight against illicit economic activities gained another success when a suspect was arrested with illicit cigarettes. A follow-up was made on information received from an attentive farmer on Thursday evening, 27 June 2024, about suspicious activities on his farm in Zeerust, leading to the arrest of a 55-year-old male and the recovery of illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million.

It is alleged that police 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. The 55-year-old suspect will appear before the Zeerust Magistrates' Court on Monday, 01 July 2024.

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

This is the second bust of illicit cigarettes within three days. 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, 25 June 2024.

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

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Adele Myburgh
082 856 1731

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