R900 000 illegal cigarette bust

October 2012 Today saw the destruction of around R6.5 million worth of illicit cigarettes – below is some information about this destruction and attached are two photographs (do have them in a higher resolution if required) as well as information on the trade in illicit cigarettes in South Africa. The majority of the cigarettes that were pulped were three brands - Pacific, Mega and Chicago

October 2012 Today saw the destruction of around R6.5 million worth of illicit cigarettes – below is some information about this destruction and attached are two photographs (do have them in a higher resolution if required) as well as information on the trade in illicit cigarettes in South Africa. The majority of the cigarettes that were pulped were three brands - Pacific, Mega and Chicago

Published Nov 12, 2012

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KwaZulu-Natal - Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested three people at the weekend, with an estimated R900 000 worth of illegal cigarettes.

The arrests came on Friday, after officers stopped and searched a bakkie that was travelling on the R22 between eManguzi and Mbazwana, about 450km north of Durban.

Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane said two suspected foreign women and a man were travelling in the vehicle which had been loaded with at least 200 packs of cigarettes.

The trio were arrested, Zwane said.

“The vehicle was also confiscated. Mbazwane police are investigating and suspects will be charged in terms of Customs and Excise Act.”

Authorities from Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (Tisa) were also contacted.

The arrested suspects, aged between 29 and 42, are expected to appear in the Ubombo Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. - IOL

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