Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Free State

NAVALSIG - Swift action by members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in Bloemfontein led to the arrest of a 42-year-old foreign national and the confiscation of illicit cigarettes and a truck.

On Tuesday, 29 July 2025, at approximately 08:30, the Anti-Gang Unit, acting on intelligence led information, intercepted a Volvo truck suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes. The interception took place tactically at the truck stop on the N8 road. The truck was allegedly en route from Bloemfontein to Lesotho.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered boxes of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R800 000 concealed behind the driver and passenger seats, covered with blankets, inside the truck's cab.  The driver was arrested on the spot for possession of illicit cigarettes.

Both the illicit cigarettes and the truck were confiscated by the police.  He will appear in the Bloemfontein court soon.

Ends

Enquiries:
Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli
082 527 6634

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