A tip-off regarding a truck carrying illicit goods from Johannesburg to Cape Town has led to the discovery of R22 million worth of illegal cigarettes.

The police’s Frederick Van Wyk says the truck was stopped near the Joostenberg Weighbridge on the N1 highway on Sunday morning.

“After further investigations, the members discovered a large consignment of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R22 million destined for a warehouse in Montagu Gardens. Border Police and Customs verified the illicit goods (cigarettes) and two males aged 34 and 62 were arrested and detained at Klapmuts SAPS on charges of possession and transport of illicit goods, and will make a court appearance at Paarl Magistrates court once charged.”

Meanwhile, Tax Justice South Africa says urgent intervention is required to clamp down on the illicit cigarette trade. TJSA’s founder Yusuf Abramjee says the brazen criminality is costing the country billions of rands in tax revenue.

“These criminals are brazen. They are daring, and we know that they are trying their luck each and every day. The smuggling of cigarettes from Zimbabwe into South Africa is also a growing problem. It’s time for the authorities to act and to act decisively.”