Boxes filled with illicit cigarettes worth approximately R25 million, seized during a coordinated operation by South African law enforcement in Polokwane.
Image: Supplied
A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation has uncovered illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R25 million at a warehouse in Nirvana, Polokwane, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old Indian national, believed to be managing the facility.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday afternoon, followed intelligence about a warehouse allegedly being used to store illegal cigarettes within the Westenburg policing precinct.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers discovered large quantities of illicit cigarettes during a coordinated search at the premises.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the operation was driven by intelligence indicating that the warehouse was being used as a storage facility for illegal tobacco products.
A team comprising SAPS members and customs officials from Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State and Limpopo acted on the information and conducted the search that resulted in the seizure.
“A 39-year-old Indian national, believed to be the manager of the warehouse, was arrested at the scene for contravention of the Customs and Excise Act for dealing in illicit cigarettes,” Ledwaba said.
Senior law enforcement officials, including Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Thembi Hadebe, visited the scene during the operation.
Police raid in Polokwane uncovered R25 million worth of illicit cigarettes, leading to the arrest of a suspect.
Image: Supplied
She was accompanied by the provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Major General Govender, and Capricorn District Commissioner Major General Mashilo, along with members from various specialised police units.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Police said investigations are continuing and warned that further arrests could follow as authorities work to dismantle the network behind the illegal cigarette trade.
Provincial police commissioner Hadebe praised the cooperation between agencies involved in the operation.
“This operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks involved in illicit trade, which deprives the country of vital revenue and undermines legitimate businesses,” she said.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across the province to ensure that those involved in the illegal cigarette trade are brought to book,” Hadebe added.
IOL News