Border Authorities in South Africa Find R2M Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes Hidden Beneath Coal
Polokwane – South African Border Policing and Customs have intercepted a shipment of illegal cigarettes valued at approximately R2 million, which were hidden beneath a load of coal in a truck.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the vehicle was inspected at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in the Waterberg District on Friday, 21 August 2026.
“Two male suspects, aged 23 and 35, were apprehended after nearly R2 million worth of illicit cigarettes were found concealed under the coal load in the truck,” stated Colonel Ledwaba.
“This arrest came about following a tip-off received by members of Border Policing and Customs around 11:00 regarding a truck suspected of carrying illicit cigarettes through the port of entry.”
Colonel Ledwaba mentioned that Border Policing and Customs officers acted on the intelligence and positioned themselves at the port.
“The officers successfully intercepted the identified truck upon its arrival at the port and conducted a preliminary inspection,” relayed the police spokesperson.
“During this examination, officers grew suspicious that illegal goods were hidden under the load of coal.”
According to Colonel Ledwaba, the truck was moved to a designated area for a more thorough search.
“The coal was unloaded, revealing bags containing master cartons of illicit cigarettes concealed beneath,” the spokesperson reported.
A total of 4,800 cartons of illicit cigarettes were seized, including:
• 4,050 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes; and
• 750 cartons of Swan cigarettes.
The seized illicit cigarettes have an estimated value of R1,996,800.
Authorities also confiscated a white and red international truck along with two Afrit Tubmaster tipper trailers, estimated to have a combined value of R854,250.
Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, expressed his approval of the arrests and commended the vigilance and collaboration exhibited by the officers involved.
“The collaboration among law enforcement agencies at our ports of entry is vital in dismantling these criminal networks,” stated Lieutenant General Scheepers.
The two apprehended suspects, both from Zimbabwe, are scheduled to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.
They face charges related to the smuggling of illegal cigarettes.
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