In a major breakthrough, illegal Zimbabwean cigarettes with an estimated value of R20 million were discovered in three trucks at Beit Bridge last Saturday during a combined operation by SARS and the police.

Four suspects were arrested at the Beit Bridge border post for smuggling cigarettes. The cigarettes and the trucks were confiscated by SARS.

Members of SARS received information of about three trucks that might be smuggling. Upon searching the trucks it was found that all three were full of illegal cigarettes from Zimbabwe.

All three the truck drivers were arrested and, after some investigation, a clearing agent was also arrested. Only one of the four arrested suspects is a Zimbabwean citizen.

All four appeared in court this week on Monday. One accused was released on R1 000 bail. The other three were remanded in custody. The case was postponed until 28 November. The names of the suspects are withheld by the SAPS, due to the sensitivity of the investigation.