The Kimberley police seized illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R5.4 million.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
WHAT was initially believed to be a R500,000 haul has turned into a multimillion-rand bust after the police intercepted a truck carrying a staggering R5.4 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Kimberley.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock confirmed the updated valuation on Monday, March 17, following a detailed assessment of the seized goods.
The discovery was made on Friday, March 14, when vigilant officers from the Kimberley Public Order Policing Unit, Platoon 5, acted on intelligence regarding a suspicious vehicle allegedly transporting contraband.
The truck, an Isuzu, was spotted at the Shell Ultra City along the N12 at approximately 2.25pm. Inside, the officers found numerous boxes of suspected illicit cigarettes packed and ready for distribution. The police swiftly confiscated the entire shipment along with the truck, as it was allegedly used in the commission of a crime.
Despite the significant bust, no arrests have been made yet. Authorities have, however, launched an investigation to trace the origin of the contraband and identify those behind the operation.
The Northern Cape SAPS management has commended the officers involved for their swift action, which dealt a major blow to the illegal cigarette trade in the province.
Law enforcement has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app, assuring that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
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The Kimberley police intercepted a truck transporting illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R5.4 million.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
The Kimberley police seized illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R5.4 million.
Image: Supplied / SAPS