MATLALA - The Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit and the Limpopo Flying Squad intercepted illegal cigarettes in transit at Matlala, outside Polokwane yesterday.
Some 32 boxes of illegal cigarettes were discovered with a street value of over R435 000.
The Hawks received a tip-off about a vehicle that was transporting illicit cigarettes in the area and followed up.
A vehicle matching the description of the one sought was spotted in the area and an attempt was made to stop it but it sped off. A chase ensued until the vehicle was cornered and the driver attempted to run on foot but he was caught.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Matlala Magistrate's Court on Monday for contravening the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.
Last year in July, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni revealed that the South African Revenue Service (Sars) had confiscated illegal cigarettes worth R77 million since the start of the national lockdown.
Mboweni said that for the period of April 1, 2020 to July 2020 Sars seized R77 million worth of illegal cigarettes.
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