Image: Boxes containing suspected illicit cigarettes, displayed alongside the truck intercepted by police during an operation in Mpumalanga. Photo: SAPS
A 45-year-old man has been arrested after Mpumalanga police intercepted a truck transporting suspected illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R1.9 million.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrest followed information received by police about a truck allegedly transporting illicit goods from Musina to White River. A multidisciplinary law enforcement team acted on the information, intercepted the truck and conducted a search.
Image: Some of the suspected illicit cigarettes recovered by police during the operation. | Photo: SAPS
During the operation, officers discovered and seized a large quantity of suspected illicit cigarettes. The driver was arrested at the scene and is expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to the possession of illicit cigarettes. Police have confirmed that investigations are continuing and that additional arrests have not been ruled out.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved in the operation. He said the arrest demonstrates the police's commitment to tackling economic crime and disrupting criminal networks before they reach communities. He also commended the Acornhoek police for their vigilance and swift response.