SAPS seizes counterfeit and illicit goods worth R2.5m in Germiston and Joburg
SAPS operations in Germiston and Crown Mine resulted in the seizure of more than 9 000 counterfeit, contraband and illicit items with a combined estimated value exceeding R2.5m.
More than 9 000 counterfeit, contraband and illicit items worth an estimated R2.5m have been seized during police operations in Germiston and Crown Mine.
On August 12, members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, together with a brand protector, conducted an operation at four shops in Germiston in the Ekurhuleni District.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 5 433 items with an estimated value of R115 450. These included 5 340 counterfeit consumable items valued at R110 570, as well as 93 items comprising illicit honey, poison and pharmaceutical products valued at R4 880.
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The operation continued in Germiston the following day, when members visited five shops with the assistance of a brand protector.Police seized a further 2 075 counterfeit consumable items, valued at R41 495.
Meanwhile, City Deep Border Police, acting on intelligence-driven information, conducted a separate counterfeit and contraband operation in Crown Mine in the Johannesburg District on August 13.
Members seized 1 608 counterfeit clothing items with an estimated value of R2 412 000.
The counterfeit clothing included items bearing brands such as Versace, Gucci, The North Face, Ameri, BALR, Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Loewe and True Religion. The items consisted of T-shirts, pants and hoodies.
Police stated that the Crown Mine operation followed intelligence about a shop allegedly involved in the trade of counterfeit goods.
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When members arrived at the premises, they found that the information was positive. Brand protectors were then called to the scene, after which the suspected counterfeit goods were seized and placed in counterfeit storage pending further investigation.
The relevant documentation was also completed.
Police urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity to the police and to avoid purchasing counterfeit or illicit products.
