Welkom – Police have seized suspected counterfeit cigarettes worth an estimated R6.2 million and arrested a 57-year-old foreign national in Welkom, Free State, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
The seizure was made on Tuesday, 18 August, after members of the Welkom K9 Unit received information about suspected illicit cigarettes allegedly being transported to a house in Jim Fouchè Park.
“Information was operationalised and led police to a house in Jim Fouchè Park, Welkom in the Free State,” SAPS said.
Police gained entry to the premises and discovered a large quantity of boxes containing suspected illicit cigarettes.
“On arrival on the scene entry was gained into the premises and police discovered a large quantity of boxes containing suspected illicit cigarettes,” the police said.
Preliminary investigations subsequently confirmed the cigarettes were counterfeit, according to SAPS.
“Police seized the boxes of illicit cigarettes estimated to be valued at R6.2 million,” the statement said.
The 57-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected counterfeit goods and is expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.
The seizure forms part of ongoing police efforts to disrupt the illegal trade and distribution of counterfeit goods and contraband under the Counterfeit Goods Act.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
