Police seize counterfeit goods worth more than R5m in crackdown
The operation targeted businesses in Protea, Langlaagte and Randburg suspected of selling counterfeit and illegal products.
Counterfeit, contraband and non-compliant goods worth more than R5 million have been seized during a three-day enforcement operation across Johannesburg, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
The operation, carried out between July 13 and July 15, targeted businesses in Protea, Langlaagte and Randburg suspected of selling counterfeit and illegal products.
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According to SAPS, the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit worked alongside the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) and brand protection experts during the multidisciplinary operation.
The raids focused on identifying businesses trading in counterfeit goods and ensuring compliance with legislation regulating the sale and distribution of consumer products.
The first operation, conducted in Protea on July 13, saw officers inspect six shops.
Police confiscated 633 items with an estimated value of R157 270.
The seized goods included 36 counterfeit pairs of shoes worth R15 300, 117 counterfeit cellphone accessories valued at R111 500, 397 counterfeit consumables worth R28 310 and 83 illicit poison products valued at R2 160.
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The operation then moved to Langlaagte on July 14, where officers and NRCS inspectors searched a warehouse.
During the inspection, authorities confiscated 35 781 non-compliant electrical goods with an estimated value of R4 709 345.
The final raid took place in Randburg on July 15, where two shops were inspected.
Police seized 1 446 items valued at R187 890, including 529 counterfeit consumables worth R22 190, 13 counterfeit toys valued at R2 800 and 904 non-compliant electrical products worth R162 900.
SAPS said the three-day operation resulted in the confiscation of 37 860 counterfeit, contraband and non-compliant items with a combined estimated value of R5 054 505.
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The police urged members of the public to report the sale or distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods to their nearest police station, the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111, or anonymously through the MySAPSApp.
