R1.25m counterfeit cigarettes seized

Lehurutshe (North West Province) – The police at the Kopfontein port of entry apprehended a 31-year old suspect on Friday 20 March for smuggling counterfeit cigarettes.

According to police spokesperson brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police were conducting inspections at the port of entry when they stopped and searched an Isuzu bakkie of a courier company for a search. They discovered 75 boxes of cigarettes with an estimated value of R1.25 million.

The driver, who was arrested and charged for contravening Section (180) and Section 15(1)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, appeared before the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 March.

Acting provincial commissioner of North West, major general Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their vigilance.