Two Men Arrested for Smuggling Illicit Goods at Groblersburg Port of Entry

Two men, aged 38 and 42, were arrested on Saturday for allegedly smuggling illicit goods at the Groblersburg port of entry, located on the border between South Africa and Botswana.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson for the Limpopo Provincial Police, the two foreign nationals were apprehended after attempting to smuggle the goods hidden inside a freightliner truck.

The incident began when a customs official stationed at the import arrival gate intercepted a white freightliner truck with a trailer, registered in Gauteng, that had been cleared in bond and was carrying precious stones.

While discussing an incorrect removal code with the driver, the driver attempted to bribe the official with R20,000 to overlook the issue. However, the bribe was unsuccessful.

The customs officer immediately alerted SAPS officers, who responded quickly to assist.

Illicit Goods Found Amid Precious Stones

The truck was escorted to the ramp inspection area, where a thorough inspection revealed a hidden stash of illicit goods. Among the declared precious stones, authorities found cigarettes, facial creams, and tablets concealed under tarpaulins.

The seized goods included:

• 2,250 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes valued at R606,510
• 50 boxes of extra-clear creams with 4,200 containers valued at R252,000
• 20 boxes of Epiderm facial cream with 5,760 tubes valued at R172,800
• 32 boxes of Appeti tablets valued at R695,000

Additionally, the international truck and trailer, valued at R1.1 million, were confiscated.

The two suspects will appear in court on Wednesday to face charges of smuggling illicit goods.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s provincial commissioner of police, commended the customs officer and SAPS members for their swift actions in preventing the smuggling attempt and safeguarding the community from dangerous illicit trade.

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