A joint intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, Swellendam police, and specialized SARS units has resulted in the seizure of a truck loaded with illicit cigarettes valued at R10 million and the arrest of a 44-year-old shop owner.
According to Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) an intelligence driven operation consisting of members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team together with Swelledam Police, Syndicated Tax and Custom Crime (STCC) and Illicit Economy Activities Unit (IEAU) from SARS led to the seizure of a truck and illicit cigarette to the value of R10 million. “It is reported, that on the 11 September, members of Swelledam Vispol were alerted about a truck travelling from Mossel Bay to Swellendam to deliver possible illicit cigarettes at a shop,”‘ he said. “The truck was stopped and searched by the police. A day later, 12 September, a 44 year old owner of the shop was arrested.”
The suspect will make his first appearance on Monday,15 September on charges of Fraud, forgery, uttering and Contravention of Sections of the Customs and Excise Act. The origin of the recovered items will be determined by the ongoing investigation.
