Two men were arrested and illegally manufactured cigarettes worth over R1 million were confiscated by the police during an intelligence-led operation by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in Bloemfontein.
On Tuesday, 29 August, at approximately 14:30, police received a tip-off regarding a white Isuzu panel van suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes from Petrusburg to Bloemfontein. The members of the Anti-Gang Unit tactically intercepted the vehicle on Kwaggafontein Street.
The men arrested are a 35-year-old male, a foreign national with a valid passport, and a 29-year-old male, a South African citizen.
A search of the vehicle revealed 36 boxes of illegal cigarettes hidden in the back. When questioned about the origin of the goods and asked to produce invoices, the suspects were unable to provide any satisfactory explanation or documentation.
The bakkie used to transport the goods was also seized.
Whilst in custody, one of the suspects attempted to bribe the police with an amount of R15 000 to secure his release. A separate charge of bribery was added against him.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane, commended the members of the Anti-Gang Unit for their swift and effective action. “This operation is a testament to our commitment to disrupting criminal networks and eradicating the illicit trade in our province. We will continue to act on all intelligence to ensure that those who undermine the law are brought to justice,” said Motswenyane.
The SAPS encourages the public to continue reporting any criminal activity by contacting their local police station, calling the CrimeStop number at 08600 10111, or sending a tip-off on the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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