He said the organisation was pleased action was being taken against those who trade in illicit cigarettes.
“We have communicated this ad nauseam to the relevant authorities, and are pleased something is now being done about this issue. We, however, wish to point out that the lack of visibility of Sars customs officials on the ground has led to a substantial growth in the influx of smuggled tobacco products into South Africa via, inter alia, our porous borders,” Mnguni said.
He said the organisation has requested the presence of tax officials and police "in the market, as we have no doubt they will have no difficulty picking up many of these products, which retail for next to nothing”.
Fita said initial reports that the cigarettes were worth R1.1m were incorrect.