Limpopo Police Seize Tons of Illicit Cigarettes in Cross-Border Bust

A significant breakthrough in the fight against cross-border crime has been achieved through a joint anti-smuggling operation. Conducted on Thursday, 24 April 2025, the operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R390,000. The successful operation was carried out through the collaborative efforts of the Limpopo SAPS Anti-Smuggling Team, Polokwane Tactical Response Team (TRT), and members of the Hoedspruit Farm Watch. The suspects, all male and aged between 31 and 44, include five undocumented foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and one South African citizen.

The South African suspect was found in possession of a licensed 9mm firearm, which has been seized for ballistic testing. A total of 43 boxes of illicit cigarettes were confiscated, and both vehicles used in the operation were seized and will be forfeited to the state, as they were instrumental in the commission of a crime.