R6.2 MILLION COUNTERFEIT CIGARETTE BUST: 57-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT ARRESTED IN WELKOM Wednesday, 19 August 2026
A 57-year-old foreign national has been arrested in Welkom after police seized suspected counterfeit cigarettes worth R6.2 million.
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R6.2 MILLION COUNTERFEIT CIGARETTE BUST: 57-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT ARRESTED IN WELKOM
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
POLICE STRIKE HARD ON CONTRABAND
A 57-year-old foreign national* has been arrested in Welkom after police seized suspected counterfeit cigarettes worth R6.2 million.
The bust was carried out by the Welkom K9 Unit as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal trade under the Counterfeit Goods Act.
HOW IT WENT DOWN:
According to SAPS :
“On Tuesday, members attached to the Welkom K9 Unit received information about suspected illegal cigarettes that are being transported to an identified house in Welkom. Information was operationalised and led police to a house in Jim Fouchè Park, Welkom.”
On arrival, police entered the premises and found a large quantity of boxes filled with suspected illicit cigarettes.
THE FINDINGS:
1. Value : Estimated at R6.2 million
2. Status : Preliminary investigations confirmed the cigarettes were counterfeit
3. Suspect : 57-year-old foreign national arrested on the scene
WHAT’S NEXT:
The suspect is expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate's Court soon.
TMGNEWS TAKE:
R6.2 million worth of fake cigarettes off the streets. That’s a big win for SAPS and for consumers.
Counterfeit cigarettes don’t just hurt the economy - they’re dangerous. No quality control, no taxes paid, and they fund other criminal activity.
Kudos to the Welkom K9 Unit for acting on the tip-off. This shows that when communities give info, police can act.
If you suspect illegal goods being sold in your area, report it.
Source: SAnews.gov.za | Repackaged for Impact by TMGNEWS
#TMGNEWS #SAPS #Welkom #CounterfeitGoods #CrimeWatch #FreeState #K9Unit #StopIllicitTrade