MUSINA – A 36-year-old Zimbabwean national is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court after police seized illicit cigarettes worth approximately R1.5 million during an intelligence-led operation.

Police arrested the suspect on Monday, 19 October, during an operation targeting an alleged illicit cigarette syndicate operating in Musina, Limpopo.

The operation was conducted at premises suspected of being used to store large quantities of illicit cigarettes. A multidisciplinary police team comprising the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation: Threat-Based Unit, Musina Detectives and the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit took part in the operation.

Police recovered 55 boxes and 46 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes, with an estimated value of R1.5 million. Two motor vehicles valued at approximately R600,000 combined were also seized.

The suspect faces charges of possessing and transporting illicit cigarettes. He is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 October.

Five suspects remain at large

The alleged syndicate leader and four other suspects reportedly fled the scene during the operation and remain at large.

Police are working to trace and arrest the outstanding suspects as investigations continue into the alleged criminal network.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, commended the police teams for their co-ordinated efforts in disrupting suspected organised criminal activity.

Scheepers reiterated that police would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks and bring those involved in illicit trade to justice.

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