Potchefstroom – The Hawks have intercepted a Gas tanker laden with illicit cigarettes worth nearly R8 million rand.
The 49-year-old driver of the tanker was arrested in Potchefstroom, in the North West, with the contraband on Wednesday, (3 April 2023).
The arrest was made by a Hawks team that followed up on information about a large consignment of illicit cigarettes that was reportedly being transported in a gas tanker from Buffelshoek to Potchefstroom.
Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso of the Hawks said: “The tanker was spotted and searched and 482 master cases containing 50 cartons of illicit Chelsea cigarettes were discovered”.
Captain Rikhotso said in a separate compartment 109 master cases containing 25 cartons were also found.
“All the cigarettes and the gas tanker truck were seized for further investigation,” Captain Rikhotso said.
The suspect will make his first appearance before Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Friday, (5 May 2023), where he will be facing charges of possession of illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.
