Police in the Free State have conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Boshof, resulting in the seizure of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R3.6 million and the arrest of three men.

The operation, carried out by the Bloemfontein K9 Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence, was prompted by information about the distribution of illegal goods.

During the operation, officers first searched a supermarket in the Boshof central business district, where they allegedly found counterfeit cigarettes hidden under a bed.

They then proceeded to a warehouse in Voortrekker Street, where they encountered resistance from suspects before discovering additional boxes of illegal cigarettes.

The three arrested individuals, aged 22, 44, and 56, face charges of possession of counterfeit cigarettes and contravention of the illegal immigration act.The confiscated goods include 339 boxes of cigarettes and over 15,000 loose packets.The suspects are expected to appear in the Boshof Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by South African law enforcement to combat illicit tobacco trade and protect consumers from counterfeit products.