The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to make inroads by dislodging and dismantling the illicit trade in counterfeit goods which has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country due to lost revenue.
Yesterday, police seized counterfeit goods to the value of R13 million and arrested five undocumented suspects during an integrated takedown operation in Johannesburg.
A team comprising of SAPS members from various units, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), brand protectors and security companies operationalised information and proceeded to three identified addresses in the JHB CBD. This operation resulted in the seizure of over 18 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, bags, caps and watches.
During the operation, the team also dismantled a hidden manufacturing plant and storage facility where counterfeit goods were distributed to shops in and around JHB. At this location, police seized large quantities of counterfeit items including a computer hard drive, silk screening and laser cutting machines.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court soon.
