By OBAKENG MAJE
A 53-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes on Tuesday. North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said customs officials at Kopfontein Port of Entry intercepted a truck driver, Petrus Toppies who entered the South African borders at around 5pm.
“In a bid to curb transnational crime, police were busy with their daily duties, when they pulled off a truck driver to the search area. The truck which was pulling a trailer was entering South Africa from Zambia via Botswana.
“Moreover, the driver who was alone in the truck, declared that he was transporting liquid molasses for cows. Upon further investigation by the customs officials, the driver allegedly disclosed that the middle compartment of the trailer contained illicit cigarettes,” Tselanyane said.
He said the police also discovered the liquid molasses at the trailer’s flank compartments, while the middle one was filled with 355 Master Cases of Pacific Blue Cigarettes to the estimated value of R4 805 200.
Tselanyane further said Toppies was immediately arrested and liquid molasses had to be drained out as it is not suitable for use in South Africa. He added that the truck and cigarettes were confiscated.
“Toppies appeared at the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Friday and he was remanded in custody until 18 June 2021 for a formal bail application. The case was handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to continue with investigations,” he said.
The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe lauded the police and Customs officials for their vigilance and cooperation that resulted in the arrest. Molefe also pointed out that illicit cigarettes trade affects the economy of the country and the police will deal harshly with those who perpetrate the crime.
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