Daring smuggler loads cigarettes into gas tanker, ...

Daring smuggler loads cigarettes into gas tanker, gets arrested at Beitbridge Border Post truck scanning point

**The truck scanning point at Beitbridge Border Post**

Zim Now Writer

A-28-year-old man was arrested for smuggling cigarettes using a gas tanker truck at the Beitbridge Border Post.

According to the police, the suspect, Hillary Makopa, was driving the truck, which was scanned at the export point and indicated that the tanker, which had been declared empty, was actually loaded with boxes of cigarettes.

In a statement on X wall, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The ZRP has intensified operations targeting syndicates involved in cross-border crimes at all ports of entry and exit in the country.

“The police therefore categorically state that cigarette smuggling syndicates will be arrested without fear or favour.

“We warn bus operators, truck drivers, omalayitsha, clearing agents or any other person who initiates acts of smuggling that they are equally liable and will be arrested,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.

The contraband comprising 585 (50x10x20) boxes as well as 256 (25x10x20) boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes was recovered from the truck, according to Ass Comm Nyathi.

Most smugglers use individual couriers, who carry boxes of cigarettes across the Limpopo before passing the contraband to a waiting contingent on the South African side of the border.

The public is encouraged to report all incidents of smuggling to ZRP National Complaints desk on 0242-703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or any nearest police station, for swift action to be taken by authorities.