Police seize R6.2m in counterfeit cigarettes, foreign national arrested
The raid took place at a house in Fouchè Park, Welkom.
Police in the Free State have seized counterfeit cigarettes valued at an estimated R6.2 million and arrested a foreign national in Fouchè Park, Welkom, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. Sergeant Palesa Thabana, spokesperson for the raid, stated that the Welkom K9 Unit received information about illegal cigarettes being transported to a specific house.
Upon arrival, they discovered a large quantity of boxes containing suspected counterfeit cigarettes. The arrested suspect, a 57-year-old male, is expected to face the Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon. Earlier this month, the Hawks arrested a 46-year-old Durban businessman, Butholezwe Prosper Mhlanga, for a R37-million customs fraud involving a shipping container labeled as "sellotape and cups" but allegedly packed with illicit cigarettes.
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