The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng continues to intensify operations aimed at combating the trade in counterfeit, contraband and #IllicitGoods across the province.

On September 29 members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, assisted by brand protectors, conducted an operation in the West Rand District, where nine shops were visited. During the operation, police seized 1 379 items with an estimated value of R60 500. The seized goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, cellphone accessories, as well as illicit poison, honey and pharmaceutical products.

A similar operation was conducted in the Sedibeng District, specifically in Vanderbijlpark, the next day. Members visited eight shops and seized 2 449 items with an estimated value of R215 100. The seized items included counterfeit consumables, toys and games, cellphone accessories and illicit pharmaceutical products.

On October 1 members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, assisted by brand protectors, conducted another operation in Randfontein, within the West Rand District. During the operation, members visited ten shops and seized 2 465 items with an estimated value of R93 710. The seized goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, illicit poison, honey and pharmaceutical products.

The three operations resulted in the seizure of a combined total of 6 293 items with an estimated value of R369 310.

SAPS Gauteng remains committed to disrupting the distribution and sale of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods, which undermine legitimate businesses and may pose health and safety risks to consumers.

Members of the public are encouraged to report the sale and distribution of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods to their nearest police station or by calling the SAPS #CrimeStop number on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the #MySAPSApp.