SA Border Authorities Discover Smuggled Cigarettes Price R2M Hidden Underneath Coal

Polokwane – South African Border Policing and Customs officers uncovered a consignment of illicit cigarettes valued at about R2 million hid beneath a load of coal in a truck.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated the truck was searched on the Groblersbrug Port of Entry within the Waterberg District on Friday, 21 August 2026.

“Two male suspects aged 23 and 35 have been arrested after illicit cigarettes valued at nearly R2 million have been found hid beneath a load of coal in a truck,” stated Colonel Ledwaba.

“The arrest adopted info acquired by members of Border Policing and Customs at roughly 11:00 a couple of truck suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes via the port of entry.”

Colonel Ledwaba stated performing on the knowledge, Border Policing and Customs officers positioned themselves on the port.

“Members subsequently intercepted the recognized truck upon its entry to the port and subjected it to a preliminary inspection,” the police spokesperson recounted.

“Through the inspection, members grew to become suspicious that prohibited items have been hid beneath the load of coal.”

Colonel Ledwaba stated the truck was taken to a chosen looking out space for an intensive inspection.

“The coal was offloaded, and members found luggage containing grasp cartons of illicit cigarettes hid beneath the load,” the spokesperson stated.

At least4 800  cartons of illicit cigarettes have been confiscated, comprising:

•4 050 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes; and
• 750 cartons of Swan cigarettes.

The illicit cigarettes have an estimated worth of R1 996 800.

Police and Customs officers additionally seized a white and pink worldwide truck along with two Afrit Tubmaster tipper trailers, with an estimated mixed worth of R854 250.

Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant Normal Jan Scheepers, welcomed the arrests and applauded the vigilance and cooperation displayed by the members concerned.

“The cooperation between law-enforcement businesses at our ports of entry stays vital in disrupting these felony networks,” stated Lieutenant Normal Scheepers.

The 2 arrested suspects, each Zimbabweans, have been anticipated to seem earlier than the Phalala Justice of the Peace’s Court docket on Monday, 24 August 2026.

They face fees associated to the smuggling of illicit cigarettes.