FREE STATE – Police in Welkom have seized illicit cigarettes estimated to be worth R6.2 million following a targeted operation by the Welkom K9 Unit. The crackdown on contraband trade resulted in the arrest of a 57-year-old foreign national male for possession of suspected counterfeit goods, reinforcing ongoing law enforcement efforts under the Counterfeit Goods Act.
On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, members attached to the Welkom K9 Unit received intelligence regarding suspected illicit cigarettes being transported to an identified residence in the area. This information was successfully operationalised, leading officers to a house located in Jim Fouchè Park, Welkom, in the Free State.
Upon arrival at the scene, police gained entry into the premises and discovered a large quantity of boxes containing the suspected illicit cigarettes. Preliminary investigations were conducted on-site, confirming that the cigarettes were indeed counterfeit.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana confirmed the seizure, stating that the boxes of illicit cigarettes are estimated to be valued at R6.2 million. She emphasized that police continue to intensify their efforts to curb the trade and distribution of contraband through the strict enforcement of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
The arrested suspect is currently in custody and will appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon.
