Two suspects arrested for illicit cigarettes worth over R2 million hidden in coal truck
Two suspects aged between 23 and 35 were arrested on Friday, 21 August 2026 at Groblersbrug Port of Entry for alleged possession of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R2 091 981.00.
Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) Polokwane, working together with Tom Burke Community Service Centre (CSC) and Crime Investigation Department (CID) and Customs Officials at Groblersbrug, intercepted a white International truck horse with two side tipper trailers which was allegedly transporting coal from Zimbabwe the intercept was conducted by members of the South African Revenue Service(SARS) whom reported it to the Hawks.
Upon thorough inspection, it was discovered that the truck was concealing illicit cigarettes amongst the coal. Police recovered 4 141 cartons of Remington Gold and 750 cartons of Swiss cigarettes.
The two suspects were arrested on the scene and charged with a case of Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in contravention of the Customs and Excise Act, which was registered at Tom Burke Police station.
The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in the Tom Burke Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.
The Provincial Head of the DPCI (Hawks) in Limpopo Major General Adv Gopz Govender has commended the collaborative efforts of the team that led to the arrest and seizure, which is part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade and commercial crimes at Ports of Entry.
- Crime Investigation Department (CID), Customs and Excise Act, Customs Officials, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Groblersbrug, Groblersbrug Port of Entry, International truck horse, Major General Adv Gopz Govender, MDNTV, possession of illicit cigarettes, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) Polokwane, South African Revenue Service(SARS), Swiss cigarettes, Tom Burke Community Service Centre (CSC)
