Police in the Northern Cape have discovered illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R2,8m at a shop, in Groblershoop. This follows a tip-off to members of Upington Border Police and the South African Police Services (SAPS) Crime Intelligence.

#sapsNC A successful entrapment operation conducted by Upington Border Police members in the Rosedale area on 6 June 2025 led to the recovery of illicit cigarettes estimated at R1 873 716.00. #StopIllicitTrade MLhttps://t.co/5FwDCRVCnN pic.twitter.com/sqzYcENmt2

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 7, 2025

“The premises were confirmed through crime intelligence and a search warrant was obtained. A buy-and-bust operation was conducted with the assistance of Upington k9 unit and customs,” says Police Spokesperson Omphile Masegela.

Masegela says upon searching the said premises, they discovered the said cigarettes and enquired if they had registered the cigarettes with customs.

“The cigarettes were seized and handed over to customs for further investigation,” adds Masegela.

VIDEO| The illicit trading in tobacco is a state of national disaster: Francois van der Merwe weighs in