- Major Bust in Newcastle: A local man was arrested following the discovery of a massive stash of illegal cigarettes valued at over R7 million.
- Strategic Police Action: A well-coordinated operation based on solid intelligence led to the successful apprehension on Loxton Street.
- Substantial Seizures: The police confiscated 687 boxes of contraband cigarettes and three luxury vehicles worth approximately R2 million.
- Legal Repercussions: The suspect now faces multiple charges, including tax evasion and breaches of customs and tobacco laws.
In a significant crackdown on illegal trade, a Newcastle resident was apprehended for dealing in contraband cigarettes, with authorities seizing over R7 million worth of illicit products.
Constable Nonjabulo Langa, Spokesperson for the Amajuba District SAPS, confirmed that the arrest was made on the afternoon of Wednesday, 5 February 2025, following a planned operation on Loxton Street. This operation was sparked by actionable intelligence pointing to a local involved in the trade of illicit cigarettes.
According to the SAPS, the response was immediate and forceful, involving a coalition of the District Crime Intelligence, District Task Team, Newcastle SAPS, Newcastle Public Order Protection Unit, alongside Barnard and OPS Security.
“The team secured a search warrant for the property, and once granted, they moved with precision. The raid was a success, leading to the arrest of a suspect on charges including Possession of illicit cigarettes (lacking the SA diamond stamp and unpaid Excise duties to SARS), Contravention of the Customs and Excise Act (for distributing cigarettes without proper documentation), and violation of the Tobacco Products Act,” stated Constable Langa.
The haul included 687 boxes of cigarettes, stashed in an outbuilding and several vehicles, collectively valued at approximately R7,680,000. Additionally, three vehicles, appraised at around R2,000,000, were also seized by the authorities.
With the suspect currently detained, we invite you to reflect on these events. What are your thoughts on this operation? Engage with us by sharing your views in the comment section below.
8 Responses
listen,.. Get rid of the scummy cops…….
The cant catch Coke dealers in Newcastle but they harass people and businesses…
TAX INVASION? What has tax done for Newcastle or for us? Our roads gone, our services are gone, town is falling apart. Where is the tax? In Rampies couch… the older i get, the more i realize what a joke these boys in blue are!
do a story on how the police refuse to open cases at the station!
or how the police are used to go after people without court orders
The rot is a stench you can smell from miles away………Fire them all…….
Clayton…boet. I hope someone gives you a hug today and brings some joy into your life. Based on your constant tone of comments, it looks like you are in a really dark place. I am sorry for that. I hope your life sees some good things soon. Chin up!
Kudos to the Law enforcement agencies👌👌. Such actions bring back trust to these these agencies of law. SA is replete with brave and hardened criminals. However, actions of these law enforcement agencies are countered by the SA justice system. Believe you me, the culprit will soon be out on bail of approximately Rk or so.
You are so right! Law enforcement works hard to make arrests and then our failed justice system spits in their face by letting criminals walk without much or any punishment.
It must be difficult being in law enforcement knowing such challenges.
I will like to know where will this loot of cigarettes go to and how will it be confiscated
STOP CONCENTRATING ON THIS CRAP… CONCENTRATE OF REAL CRIME..ILLEGALS THIEVES MURDERS ABDUCTION ETC ETC…THERE ARE MANY CASES THAT ARE NOT DISCLOSED??…. WHO IS CHECKING THE CHECKERS???
They can send out vehicles for this crap but dont have vehicles available to go out to crime scenes, how flippen rediculess, somebody needs sigarettes for free again 🤦♀️
Good job. But now get more of the drug dealers please.