Police in the Free State have seized illegal cigarettes worth an estimated R3.6 million and arrested three men during an intelligence operation in Boshof, Free State.
The operation was carried out by members of the Bloemfontein K9 Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence Unit after police received information about the distribution of illegal goods.
Free State Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said the information was operationalized on Friday after members received information about the suspected illegal cigarette trade.
“The team seized a significant quantity of illegal cigarettes in the Boshof Central Business District (CBD),” Thabana said.
Police first searched a supermarket in the Boshof central business district, where boxes of counterfeit cigarettes were reportedly found hidden under a bed.
The team then proceeded to a second identified address on Voortrekker Street, where they encountered resistance from suspects before gaining access to a warehouse.
Police discovered more boxes of illegal cigarettes in the warehouse.
”Three men aged 22, 44 and 56 were subsequently arrested for possession of counterfeit cigarettes. They are also charged with violating the illegal immigration law,” Thabana said.
Thabana said police seized 339 cartons of cigarettes and more than 15,000 loose cigarette packs during the operation.
It is expected that the suspects will appear in the Boshof Magistrate court op Monday.
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Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za