Lephalale police seize R150,000 in illicit cigarettes, arrest 42-year-old suspect
The man is expected to appear in the Lephalale Magistrate's Court on Monday, 05 October 2026.
Police in Limpopo have arrested a 42-year-old foreign national for dealing in and possession of illicit cigarettes after an operation in Lephalale town on Friday, 02 October 2026.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the members of the Lephalale K9 Unit and Crime Prevention Unit were on duty conducting an operation at around 13:00 when they spotted the man carrying a large bag.
He was followed on foot and entered a supermarket. Police requested to search the bag and found illicit cigarettes inside.
Upon questioning, the suspect allegedly indicated that he had stored more cigarettes at a rental premises and also revealed that the cigarettes were not legal in South Africa. The police proceeded to the premises where a large quantity of illicit cigarettes was found and seized.
The suspect was immediately arrested for dealing in and possession of illicit cigarettes. The value of the seized cigarettes is estimated at R150 000.
He is expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 05 October 2026.
Police investigations are continuing.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), 42-year-old Foreign National arrested in Lephalale with illicit cigarettes worth R150,000
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