MAN SENTENCED FOR CROSSING BORDER WITH ILLICIT CIGARETTES

Photo: Mahmad Asif Ahmed Shaikh.

Supplied: Hawks

By: Neo Ntsele

A 41 year old Indian man, Mahmad Asif Ahmed Shaikh, has been found guilty and sentenced by the Ficksburg Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 17 , for contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.

On 27 April 2022, members of the South African Police Service and SARS Customs officials were conducting normal duties at the Ficksburg Port of Entry when they stopped and searched a black vehicle.

They found cigarettes inside the boot which Shaikh had failed to declare in line with customs prescripts.

This led officers to his house where more illegal cigarettes to an estimated value of R1,6 million were found.

The matter was investigated by Bethlehem Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

Shaikh was sentenced to a fine of R150 000 or five years imprisonment R75 000 or three years of which is suspended.