Illegal cigarettes worth R20m seized by SARS

Illegal cigarettes worth approximately R20 million were seized in Bronkhorstspruit after entering South Africa via the Beitbridge border on Monday, 1 May. The South African Revenue Service (SARS), police and Tshwane Metro Police were involved in the seizure.

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TRUCK DRIVER FLEES THE SCENE, LEAVING BEHIND 1000 MASTER CASES OF ILLICIT CIGARETTES FALSELY DECLARED AS TEA LEAVES

The illegal cigarettes were falsely declared as tea leaves at the border, according to SARS. The truck was eventually stopped after receiving a tip-off in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, early on Monday.

“On being approached, the driver fled the scene and the truck and its consignment was detained. The truck was carrying 1000 Master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at a tax prejudice of R20 million,” said the revenue service.

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After the seizure, the cigarettes and truck were moved to a secure SARS facility. The service said further disclosures would be made once progress has been made in the investigation.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to those patriotic South Africans that provided law enforcement with such a valuable information that led to the impounding of the truck carrying illicit cigarettes.

“The country is battling the scourge of illicit cigarettes, smuggled from a neighbouring country, with a view to not only displace legitimate manufacturers but to also deprive fiscus of all taxes due.

“The message to crooks engaged in this criminal enterprise is that we will not tire to confront and deal with them decisively. The clarion call is, comply or face the consequences,” said SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.

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This article was originally published by Storm Simpson.