25 pallets of illicit cigarettes were found in 12 water tanks. Picture: Supplied/Saps A 43-year-old man was arrested after being caught transporting illicit cigarettes hidden in water tanks. The cigarettes are estimated to be worth R17.4 million.
The arrest took place in Sundra, Mpumalanga, at around 10pm on Friday night. After receiving a tip-off, police in Delmas, with the assistance of the Sundra Police Station and private security companies, were on the lookout for a truck carrying water tanks. “Police spotted a truck with two trailers in Sundra and stopped it.
The load consisted of twelve 5 000-litre water tanks. “Upon further investigation, members found that the tanks were stocked to capacity with different brands of cartons of illicit cigarettes,” the police statement said. A total of 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated street value worth R17.4 million, were recovered.
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The suspect, who is an Eswatini national, was arrested for possession of illicit goods. He will appear at the Delmas District Court on Monday. Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested in Athlone, Western Cape, on Saturday night after they were found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The car they were driving was also reported stolen in August. The suspects were caught after they drove at high speed past police officers.
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