Sixteen people have been arrested, and counterfeit goods worth more than R17 million were seized in recent police operations.
Spearheaded by the National and Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units, multidisciplinary teams carried out 33 takedown operations across the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape.
“These operations resulted in the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit and illicit goods, including branded clothing, sports apparel, cellphone accessories, toys, pharmaceuticals, consumables, as well as counterfeit liquor and cigarettes,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Saturday.
Police arrested 16 suspects in total, of whom nine were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, five for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, and two for contravening the Liquor Act.
The police further urged community members to think twice before purchasing counterfeit and illicit goods.
This as:
• Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious risks to consumers, legitimate businesses, and the country’s economy.
• These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with no regard for quality standards, safety, or lawful trade practices.
• Legitimate manufacturers and retailers lose market share to illegal traders, leading to reduced production and job losses.
• Counterfeit goods infringe on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners.
“The SAPS extends its sincere appreciation to all participating departments, various law enforcement agencies, and key stakeholders for their continued collaboration and commitment to combating the illegal trade in counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods,” said the police. – SAnews.gov.za
