Three arrested as police uncover R3.6m illicit cigarette haul
They face charges relating to the possession of counterfeit cigarettes as well as alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.
An intelligence-driven police operation has dealt a significant blow to the illicit cigarette trade after counterfeit cigarettes worth an estimated R3.6 million were seized.
Three men, aged 22, 44 and 56, were arrested during the operation in Boshof, Free State.
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They face charges relating to the possession of counterfeit cigarettes as well as alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the operation was carried out by members of the Bloemfontein K9 Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence following information about the distribution of illicit goods in the area.
According to SAPS, members received intelligence on Thursday, July 9, which was operationalised the following day.
Police first searched a supermarket in the Boshof CBD, where boxes containing counterfeit cigarettes were allegedly found hidden beneath a bed.
The investigation then led officers to a warehouse in Voortrekker Street.
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“On arrival at the warehouse, after much resistance from the suspects, entry was ultimately gained, and boxes of illegal cigarettes were discovered in the warehouse,” SAPS said.
Police confiscated 339 boxes of cigarettes and more than 15 000 loose cigarette packets during the operation.
The seized cigarettes have an estimated value of approximately R3.6 million.
SAPS said the arrests and seizures represent another success in efforts to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade, which continues to cost the country millions in lost tax revenue while fuelling organised criminal activity.
The three suspects are due to make their first appearance in the Boshof Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
