Foreign national busted over illicit cigarettes

A 35-year-old foreign national was arrested after found with counterfeit cigarettes that were estimated to be worth R268 000 in his vehicle.

This follows after Fezile Dabi District Vispol Commander, Mapulane Mbeloane and Kroonstad Station Commander, Col Morne De Wet led joint operation today with the Kroonstad police officers, provincial traffic department and Moqhaka local municipality.

The roadblock was called “N1 Highway High Density Operation,”.

According to Fezile Dabi District communications officer, Sergeant Josephine Rani, the police officers stopped a suspected white VW Crafter motor vehicle.

“Upon searching it they discovered 22 boxes each containing 12x 100 packets of cigarettes,” said Rani.

“The suspect was questioned and could not give proof of purchase nor an explanation of the goods found in his possession,” added Rani.

It is suspected that, the cigarette were going to be transported from Germiston , in Gauteng to Bloemfontein.=

The four accused are set to appear before the Kroonstad Magistrate Court soon.

Free State Provincial Commissioner general Motswenyane has applauded the police officers for impressive work.

“If we were able to crack such successes in less than 5 hours, then it shows its not impossible to root out all criminal elements in no time,” said Motswenyane.