A 32-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after police discovered 25 boxes of illicit cigarettes hidden in a minibus during a routine patrol on the R82 near Sasolburg on Tuesday night.
According to a statement from police in the Free State, members of a highway patrol unit in noticed a white Nissan minibus behaving suspiciously at around 21:30pm.
Officers stopped and searched the vehicle, uncovering 25 boxes of illegal cigarettes concealed behind boxes of matches.
The seized cigarettes are estimated to be worth about R125 000.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and was expected to appear before the Sasolburg Magistrates Court this week on a charge of possession of illicit cigarettes.
Police have reiterated their commitment to clamping down on the illegal trade of tobacco products, which continues to undermine legitimate businesses and tax revenue. – Staff Reporter