A 38-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested after police allegedly found illicit cigarettes worth R213,129 in a Volvo S40 along the N1 northbound road in Musina.
The suspect was arrested at about 3am on Friday, October 23, during an operation by members of the Vhembe District Cross-Border Task Team.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, officers were performing operational duties along the N1 when they noticed a silver-grey Volvo S40 parked off the road, facing south. The vehicle had two flat tyres and heavily tinted windows that obstructed visibility into the interior.
Police stopped the vehicle and obtained permission to search it.
During the search, officers allegedly discovered nine master boxes, 47 cartons and eight loose packs of Remington Gold cigarettes on the back seat.
The driver reportedly admitted that the cigarettes belonged to him and was subsequently arrested on a charge of possession of illicit cigarettes.
Police also seized the Volvo, valued at R360,000.
Limpopo police provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the Vhembe Cross-Border Task Team for its alertness and continued efforts to combat cross-border crime in the province.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon.
Police investigations are continuing.
