A 42-year-old foreign national has been arrested in Lephalale, Limpopo, after police seized illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R150,000.
Members of the Lephalale K9 Unit and Crime Prevention Unit arrested the suspect on Friday, 2 October 2026, at about 1pm during an operation in Lephalale town.
According to police, officers spotted the suspect carrying a large bag and followed him on foot as he entered a supermarket.
Police stopped and searched the bag, where they allegedly found illicit cigarettes.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly told officers that he had stored additional cigarettes at a rented premises. He allegedly further indicated that the cigarettes were not legally permitted for sale in South Africa.
Police proceeded to the premises, where they discovered and seized a large quantity of additional illicit cigarettes.
The suspect was arrested and is facing charges of dealing in and possession of illicit cigarettes.
He is expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 5 October 2026.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
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