Free State – A 35-year-old man has been arrested after police recovered suspected illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R7.5 million during an operation on the N1 near Vaal Plaza in the Free State.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, after officers intercepted an Isuzu truck allegedly transporting the cigarettes.
Police said the truck, which was being used to transport the suspected illicit goods, was seized as part of the operation.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of suspected illicit cigarettes.
The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trade in tobacco products, which authorities say deprives the state of tax revenue and undermines legitimate businesses.
Police have not yet disclosed the origin or intended destination of the cigarettes, and investigations are continuing.
SAPS urged members of the public to report information related to illicit trade activities as authorities intensify efforts to curb the illegal tobacco market.
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Picture: Facebook/SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
