A proactive, self-initiated operation by the Welkom Tactical Response Team (TRT) led to a major bust on Wednesday, resulting in the seizure of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R4.3 million and the arrest of one suspect.
The operation, which saw TRT members extend their duty hours to address ongoing taxi violence in the Ficksburg area, involved a stop-and-search initiative. At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, the officers pulled over a white Mercedes Benz Sprinter Panel Van bearing Gauteng registration plates.
Upon searching the vehicle, which was driven by a male foreign national, officers discovered 180 boxes of illicit cigarettes. Officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs were summoned to the scene and subsequently confirmed the cargo as illicit.
A 35-year-old male suspect was immediately arrested and detained for the possession of illicit cigarettes. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter Panel Van used in the commission of the crime was also confiscated.
The suspect is expected to appear in a local court in the near future to face formal charges.