Police seize thousands of counterfeit goods at 5 Alberton shops
A Gauteng-wide crackdown saw 3 855 items worth an estimated R109 295 confiscated during an operation targeting counterfeit and illicit goods.
Alberton was among the latest areas targeted in a Gauteng-wide crackdown on counterfeit and illicit goods after police seized thousands of items during an operation at five local shops.
The operation, conducted on Monday, November 9, involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, the Department of Agriculture and a brand protector.
Targeted operations
According to SAPS Gauteng, the operation resulted in the seizure of 3 855 items with an estimated value of R109 295.
The confiscated goods included 3 166 counterfeit consumable products, 14 phone accessories, 41 toys and games, and 15 textile items.
Police also seized 223 items of illicit poison, 251 items of illicit honey and 145 illicit pharmaceutical products.
The Alberton operation formed part of broader efforts by SAPS Gauteng to disrupt the distribution and sale of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods across the province.
On Friday, November 6, a similar operation was conducted at five shops in Meyerton, in the Sedibeng District. That operation resulted in the seizure of 274 counterfeit items valued at R61 790.
The two operations, which covered 10 shops across the Sedibeng and Ekurhuleni districts, resulted in a combined seizure of 4 129 counterfeit and illicit items valued at an estimated R171 085.
SAPS Gauteng said it continued to intensify its efforts through targeted operations and remained committed to disrupting the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report businesses suspected of trading in counterfeit or illicit goods to their nearest police station.
