Port Elizabeth police have arrested five suspects, aged between 29 and 36, and confiscated 300 boxes of stolen cigarettes with an estimated value of R1.7m.
Spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg says Mount Road police members received information regarding stolen property in Havelock Street, Central and immediately followed up earlier this week.
She said they were met by a hostile group, who intimidated the police.
"Back up was requested and on re-entering the premises police found some of the occupants trying to get rid of master boxes of cigarettes that was in a storeroom," she said.
The suspects were arrested and 300 boxes of cigarettes were confiscated.
The five suspects, identified as Berhanu Abo (32), Kajamo Birham (32), Delele Daniel (36), Mitiku Doboch (29) and Zamakune Halille (31), appeared before the Magistrate's Court on charges of stolen property on Wednesday.
The case was remanded until the 15th of January 2018.
"The commitment and dedication of our SAPS members are noticeable in successes of this nature," Janse Van Rensburg added.
The Mount Road Cluster Commander, Major General, Funeka Siganga, commended the members' continued fight against crime.
