Cape Town – Two foreign nationals, aged 38 and 42, were arrested on Saturday, 14 December 2024, for attempting to smuggle illicit goods through the Groblersburg Port of Entry.
The suspects, who were driving a white freightliner truck and trailer registered in Gauteng, were intercepted by a customs official during routine checks at the import arrival gate.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, the driver initially attempted to bribe the customs official with R20,000 to bypass proper checks.
“As he was discussing with the driver about stopping his truck for an incorrect remover code, the driver proposed to offer him a bribe of R20, 000.00, but his proposal was unsuccessful.
#sapsLIM Duo, aged 38 and 42, was arrested for smuggling illicit goods at Groblersburg Port of Entry on Saturday, 14/12. Illicit goods including cigarettes, facial creams, and tablets recovered. The duo will appear before court on Wednesday, 18/12 on charges of smuggling of… pic.twitter.com/lcSRv0Ghuk
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 17, 2024
“Then, the customs official engaged members of SAPS immediately. The truck was subsequently escorted to the ramp inspection area under police guard,” Thakeng said.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered:
- 2,250 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes valued at R606,510
- 4,200 containers of extra clear creams valued at R252,000
- 5,760 tubes of Epiderm facial cream valued at R172,800
- 32 boxes of Appeti tablets valued at R695,000
Additionally, the international truck and trailer, valued at R1,100,000, were seized by authorities. The total value of the smuggled goods is estimated at over R2.7 million.
The suspects will appear in court on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, on charges of smuggling illicit goods.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
