Two Arrests in Limpopo Over Illicit Cigarette Haul

Bimha Jaint Janos, a suspect involved in the trafficking of illicit cigarettes, was arrested on January 18, 2025, after being found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R14 million. Janos was stopped by police officers at the Musina Beitbridge border crossing while driving a white Volvo truck. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 710 master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes, along with six cartons and eleven loose packets. Following the seizure, Janos was arrested and taken into custody. The case has been postponed to January 27, 2025, for profiling and a potential bail application.

In a related incident, a 30-year-old foreign national was arrested in Musina on January 20, 2025, after a high-speed chase. Police were patrolling the N1 highway when they observed a suspicious Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng plates. At around 4 a.m., the suspect attempted to evade the police by reversing into a patrol vehicle before fleeing on foot. Officers gave chase and apprehended him shortly after. During the search of the vehicle, officers found numerous cartons of Remington Gold and Royal Express illicit cigarettes, valued at R452,872. The vehicle, worth R95,000, was also confiscated.

Both arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of Limpopo police to combat the illegal cigarette trade in the region. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to tackling such criminal activities, with investigations continuing in both cases.