R636k worth of illicit cigarettes recovered, Boithuso

South African Police Service

R636k worth of illicit cigarettes recovered, Boithuso
R636k worth of illicit cigarettes recovered, Boithuso

A 39-year-old suspect is in police custody after he was allegedly transporting illicit cigarettes worth half a million.

Boithuso Crime Prevention members were on patrol upon noticing a white panel van driving on a gravel route on Friday 15 May 2020 at about 11:10. Police followed the said vehicle and stopped it. Police requested prescribed permit from the driver but he failed to produce it.

The driver was requested to drive to the police station for further interrogation. On the way he allegedly stopped and offered police five thousand rand as a bribery. He was immediately arrested for bribery and he further pleaded with members to release him as he will give a further fifteen thousand rand should they escort him to his place.

Police took him to the police station and upon searching the van, they found eight boxes filled with Sun illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R 636 800-00. A case of dealing and transporting of illicit cigarettes was opened for further investigation. The panel van was confiscated.

The suspect will appear before the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court soon facing charges of bribery and dealing in illicit cigarettes.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service