Police Seize R41 Million in Illicit Cigarettes at 2 Durban Facilities in Avoca and Briardene
- Police raided two storage facilities in Avoca and Briardene, north of Durban, on Thursday, 29 October 2026
- National Crime Intelligence led the operation alongside the Hawks and Durban Metro Police after intercepting a suspected syndicate driver
- No arrests have been made yet, but police say they expect to detain suspects soon
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Source: Twitter
DURBAN — South African police have uncovered illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R41 million following raids on two storage facilities north of Durban's city centre on Thursday, 29 October 2026. The arrests took place a day after Limpopo police seized illicit goods and stolen vehicles worth R9.6 million.
The targeted sites were located in Avoca and Briardene. Journalist Dasen Thathiah first reported the operation, with the details amplified by crime reporter Yusuf Abramjee on X.
How the operation unfolded
National Crime Intelligence spearheaded the raid, working alongside the Hawks and the Durban Metro Police Tactical Support Unit. The breakthrough came after officers intercepted a driver suspected of working for an illicit tobacco syndicate, which led investigators to the two storage sites.
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Officials from SARS Customs and Excise were present at both scenes to assist with processing the seized goods. No arrests had been made by the time the story was reported. Police indicated that detentions are anticipated in the near future as the investigation progresses.
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A similar case earlier this year
This is not the first large-scale illicit cigarette seizure linked to Durban in 2026. In September, the Hawks and Customs officials jointly seized counterfeit cigarettes worth more than R41 million at a container depot in the city, according to SABC News. The back-to-back discoveries point to sustained enforcement pressure on tobacco smuggling networks operating through the port city. Police are expected to release further details once arrests are formalised.
116 Drug mules arrested at OR Tambo Airport
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the 116 suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past two years, following a major drug seizure.
The latest operation uncovered about 250kg of drugs in five luggage bags, with an estimated value exceeding R200 million. A multidisciplinary team of police, border officials and customs officers carried out the seizure.
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Source: Briefly News
