Police seize over R9 million worth of counterfeit goods in Joburg CBD
National Counterfeit Police Unit operation in Johannesburg CBD seized R9 million counterfeit goods such as clothing and watches. This is the unit’s third takedown operation in Gauteng in the last month.
Police confirmed over R 9 million counterfeit goods were seized in a huge operation in Joburg CBD on Friday.
The operation was led by he national counterfeit unit and included officials from the South African Revenue Service, Gauteng Metro Police, brand protectors, crime prevention wardens and security companies.
GOODS SEIZED BY POLICE OPERATION
Reported by the Sowetan Live police spokesperson Lt-Col Amanda van Wyk said, “During the operation, the team seized over 11,000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, watches, handbags and sunglasses. This was the third takedown operation in Gauteng in the past four weeks.”
“In addition, the team also seized over R8m worth of counterfeit goods during a takedown operation in Rustenburg, North West, last week. This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized for the past four weeks to over R30 million.”
The counterfeit good unit has seized over 200 million worth of counterfeit goods and more than R1m in cash during multiple operations in different parts of the country since the unit was established in November last year.
COUNTERFEIT OPERATION TARGETS ILLICIT GOODS NATIONWIDE
Police also seized counterfeit goods worth more than R8 million and arrested two suspects during an operation in Rustenburg on 29 February.
They also seized R30 000 during the operation.
Reported by the Sowetan Live police members from various units, SARS officials brand protectors and security officials acted on information they had received on a number of shops in Rustenburg suspected of dealing in counterfeit goods.
“A search and seizure warrant was executed. This resulted in the seizure of various counterfeit items such as clothing, apparel, shoes, caps and bags.
“The two suspects will face charges related to the Counterfeit Goods Act while one will face an additional charge for contravention of the Immigration Act,” the police said in a statement.