Police have seized more than 10,000 suspected counterfeit items valued at over R9 million during a major operation in Marabastad, Pretoria.
The multidisciplinary raid was conducted on Thursday by the SAPS National Illicit Goods Unit, supported by the Gauteng Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing, the South African Revenue Service’s Customs Enforcement Unit and brand-protection representatives.
Officers executed search-and-seizure warrants and confiscated suspected counterfeit sportswear, footwear, cosmetics and cellphone accessories bearing the trademarks of well-known brands.
Police said the operation formed part of continuing nationwide efforts to disrupt the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit products.
The latest seizure comes shortly after counterfeit merchandise and manufacturing equipment worth more than R1.5 million were confiscated from a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD.
SAPS warned that counterfeit products are manufactured outside regulated systems and may pose health and safety risks to consumers. The illegal trade also infringes intellectual-property rights, harms legitimate businesses and contributes to economic losses. IOL
