The South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by its crime-fighting partners, has seized counterfeit goods worth more than R9 million during a multidisciplinary operation conducted in Marabastad, Gauteng, last week.
The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illegal trade, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods in South Africa.
“The National Illicit Goods Unit -- supported by the Gauteng Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, South African Revenue Service NRRT Customs Enforcement Unit and brand protectors -- executed search-and-seizure warrants last week.
“The team seized more than 10 000 counterfeit items, including branded sports apparel, footwear, cosmetics and cellular accessories.
“The latest seizure follows a similar operation conducted last week at a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD, where counterfeit goods, including Springboks-branded merchandise and manufacturing equipment worth more than R1.5 million, were seized,” the police said.
The illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods not only infringes on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners, but also poses potential health and safety risks to consumers, police warned.
"Operating outside regulated systems and without adherence to prescribed quality standards, the counterfeit goods industry has a detrimental impact on legitimate businesses and contributes to economic losses," SAPS said.
SAPS commended all participating government departments, law enforcement agencies, brand protectors and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in the collective fight against counterfeit and illicit goods. – SAnews.gov.za
