The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted millions of rands worth of stolen vehicles, counterfeit goods and drugs during the second quarter of the year.
Delivering a quarterly update during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato detailed the authority’s operations over the past three months, highlighting significant gains in combating cross-border crime.
According to Masiapato, officers intercepted 15 suspected stolen vehicles linked to criminal syndicates as they were being smuggled out of South Africa. The latest recoveries bring the total number of vehicles seized since 2022 to 349.
In addition, BMA teams confiscated counterfeit clothing and footwear valued at about R1 million, as well as a range of illegal goods found concealed at border posts.
“During this period, officers once again intercepted half a kilogram of crystal meth, 240 grams of heroin, and illicit cigarettes worth R827,500,” Masiapato said.
He attributed the growing number of successful interceptions to strengthened operations and tighter monitoring at the country’s ports of entry and exit.