Police in Delmas have arrested a 43-year-old man from the Kingdom of Eswatini for possession of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R17.4 million. The arrest took place in Sundra on Friday evening, 05 December 2025, at around 22h00.
The operation was conducted by members of the Delmas SAPS, assisted by Sundra Police Station officers and private security companies, after information was received about illicit cigarettes being transported in large water tanks.
Officers stopped a truck pulling two trailers in Sundra. The load consisted of twelve 5 000-litre water tanks. Upon inspection, police discovered that the tanks were filled to capacity with various brands of illicit cigarettes. A total of 25 pallets of cigarettes were confiscated.
The suspect was immediately arrested and is expected to appear before the Delmas District Court on Monday, 08 December 2025, facing charges related to possession of illicit goods.