Cigarette smuggler arrested en route to Pretoria

A 48-year-old man will appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court in connection with the smuggling of illicit cigarettes.

The man was arrested last week on the R101 following a tip-off by a member of the community on January 16.

The cigarettes were smuggled from Musina destined for Pretoria, according to police.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the suspect was driving a white Hyundai Accent when he was stopped by police along the R101 and arrested.

Thakeng said the officers received information that the vehicle was suspected of involvement in criminal activities in the Tinmyne precinct.

“Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered it was fully loaded with 155 cartons and 270 loose packets of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated street value of over R17 000,” said Thakeng.

Thakeng said the suspect was immediately arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes and is expected to appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court soon.

“We thank the community for their vigilance in helping law enforcement clamp down on the trade of illicit cigarettes.”

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