The Gauteng Traffic Police have arrested an Ethiopian national found in possession of massive cartons of illicit cigarettes and fraudulent documents this morning on the N1 South Highway near Carousel Toll Plaza. The 32-year-old male from Yeoville, Johannesburg was arrested at the joint Covid-19 lockdown law enforcement operation conducted along the Border of Gauteng and Limpopo.
The suspect was found with approximately 87 600 packets of Ramington Gold cigarettes which were confiscated by the Gauteng Traffic Police and immediately detained at Temba police station. The street value of the confiscated cigarettes is estimated at R800 000. The counterfeit cigarettes are part of the many goods confiscated on daily basis during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown operation across the province. The suspect is expected to appear at the Temba Magistrate Court soon to face charges relating to unlawful possession of and dealing in illegal cigarettes as well as possession of fraudulent documents during the Covid-19 lockdown operation. The Department of Community Safety commends the good work of the Gauteng Traffic Police officers which is in line with the department’s concerted mandate to create safer communities. "Operations of this nature during the Covid-19 lockdown period are essential in turning the tide against crime. The law enforcement agencies will continue to disrupt the demand, supply value chain of illicit goods and ensure that the syndicates behind the production of these goods are arrested and face the might of the law," said Obed Sibasa, Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson.
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