26/10/2024
COUNTERFEIT GOODS RAIDS
This week, the South African Police Service , alongside its crime-fighting partners, seized counterfeit items valued at over R3 million in the Johannesburg CBD. Two suspects, identified as illegal foreign nationals, were also arrested during the operation.
The takedown was led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit joined by the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit, Public Order Policing, South African Revenue Services, South African Health Products Regulatory Authority , Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security personnel. The operation was executed on Friday, 25 October 2024, under a search and seizure warrant that targeted shopping malls in the Johannesburg CBD.
More than 6 000 counterfeit items were confiscated, including pharmaceuticals, clothing, watches, bags, cosmetics, and perfumes.
The SAPS, along with its partners, is committed to eradicating the illegal trade of counterfeit goods to safeguard consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy of this country.