The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sedibeng District intercepted a truck carrying illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of approximately R3.7 million during an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Two suspects, aged 60 and 43, were arrested.
Crime Intelligence Sedibeng District acted on information received on 19 May 2026 regarding a white UD truck allegedly transporting illicit cigarettes from Gauteng to QwaQwa via the R59 route through Vereeniging and Sasolburg.
At approximately 16:30 on 20 May 2026, officers determined the truck had already passed through Vereeniging toward Sasolburg. Sasolburg Infrastructure members were alerted and provided with the truck’s details.
The truck was stopped at the four-way stop on the R82 and R57. It was escorted to Zamdela SAPS for a search.
Police recovered the following suspected illicit cigarettes:
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439 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes (25 packs per box)
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30 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes (50 packs per box)
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52 additional boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes (50 packs per box)
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78 boxes of Chelsea cigarettes (50 packs per box)
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were transporting the cigarettes on behalf of an individual from Springs. The suspects face charges of possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes.
