Two Zimbabwean nationals arrested after illicit cigarettes worth nearly R2 million found in coal truck

Police and Customs officials seized 4,800 cartons of illicit cigarettes worth R1.99 million after discovering the contraband hidden beneath a load of coal at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in Limpopo.

Limpopo police have arrested two Zimbabwean men, aged 23 and 35, after illicit cigarettes valued at almost R2 million were discovered hidden underneath a load of coal in a truck at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in the Waterberg District on Friday.

Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the arrests followed information received by members of Border Policing and Customs at about 11a.m. about a truck suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes through the port of entry.

He said acting on the information, the members operationalised the intelligence and positioned themselves at the port.

“The identified truck was subsequently intercepted upon entering the port and subjected to a preliminary inspection.”

Ledwaba said during the inspection, members became suspicious that prohibited goods were concealed underneath the load of coal.

“The truck was then taken to a designated searching area for a thorough inspection.”

“The coal was offloaded, and members discovered bags containing master cartons of illicit cigarettes concealed beneath the load.”

He said a total of 4,800 cartons of illicit cigarettes were confiscated, comprising 4,050 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes and 750 cartons of Swan cigarettes.

An intelligence-led operation at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in Limpopo has resulted in the arrest of two Zimbabwean men and the seizure of illicit cigarettes worth almost R2 million hidden beneath a truckload of coal.

Ledwaba said police and customs officials also seized a white and red international truck, together with two Afrit Tubmaster tipper trailers, with an estimated combined value of R854,250.

The two are expected to appear before the Phalala Magistrate's Court on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, facing a charge related to the smuggling of illicit cigarettes.

Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the arrests and applauded the vigilance and cooperation displayed by the members involved.

“The cooperation between law-enforcement agencies at our ports of entry remains critical in disrupting these criminal networks.” Scheepers added.