A 40-year-old migrant was caught red-handed selling contraband tobacco products smuggled from Zimbabwe in a tuckshop in Nkuzana village, Hlanganani. The Limpopo police seized boxes of illicit cigarettes worth approximately R13,700.

This recent bust is part of a larger effort by security agencies in South Africa and Zimbabwe to combat cigarette smuggling. The illicit trade is estimated to account for around 30% of cigarettes consumed in South Africa, with popular brands like Pacific, Remington Gold, and Mega being smuggled into the country.

The high excise duty rates on tobacco products in South Africa are driving the illicit trade. Zimbabwean exporters struggle to enter the formal market, leading to smuggling and lost revenue for both countries.

The suspect is set to appear in court on charges of possession of illegal cigarettes. Enhanced collaboration between law enforcement agencies in both countries is crucial to tackling the illicit trade

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