Suspected illicit cigarette smugglers arrested in Limpopo

Two suspected illegal cigarette smugglers have been arrested and an unknown number of others fled on the N1 near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo.

Police also recovered illicit cigarettes worth over R1.7 million and four vehicles were confiscated.

Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba says they received a tip-off about a convoy of four vehicles carrying illicit cigarettes. He says a car chase ensued when the suspected smugglers failed to stop after being ordered by the police.

Ledwaba says the arrested suspects will appear in court soon.

“Members of SAPS provincial task team reacted swiftly and arrested two suspects in the early hours of this morning along N1 north near Makhado and subsequently recovered illicit cigarettes worth R1.7 million as well as four vehicles. The four vehicles predominantly SUVs were searched and about 130 boxes containing illicit cigarettes were confiscated,” says Ledwaba.

#sapsLIM In an effort to curb illicit economy related crimes, #SAPS Provincial Tracking Team reacted promptly and arrested 2 suspects today along the N1 north near Lious Trichardt and subsequently recovered illicit cigarettes worth R1,7 MIL. MEhttps://t.co/6vxIz1mgTm pic.twitter.com/kdcXl8eEdP

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) April 25, 2022