Police seize illicit cigarettes worth nearly R4 million

IN THEIR efforts to clamp down on criminal activities, the police in the ZF Mgcawu (ZFM) District seized suspected illicit cigarettes worth nearly R4 million in Upington.

On Friday, June 14, the Upington Border Police and K9 units, acting on a tip-off, raided a local shop suspected of selling illicit cigarettes.

Sergeant Omphile Masegela, a spokesperson for the Northern Cape police, reported that upon inspection of the premises, officers discovered a hidden stash of cigarettes in a storeroom. The shop owner was unable to produce any invoices for the goods, leading to the confiscation of 153 master cases of cigarettes, valued at approximately R 3,901,500.

An inquiry has been opened to further investigate the matter and determine the origin of the suspected illicit merchandise.