On January 11, information was received by the Springs Vispol Unit of a possible counterfeit operation in the Heidelberg area.
The information received was that counterfeit goods are being manufactured and distributed to retail shops in and around Heidelberg.
Col Marinda Brand and Capt Wynand du Toit, together with Heidelberg SAPS members Sgt Vusumuzi Zondo and Const Jean-Pierre Lewis, the Custom’s National Rapid Response team and the Organised Crime Unit Germiston went to premises in Heidelberg.
During a search of a storeroom on the premises, spare parts for assembling kettles, counterfeit lights and fixtures, fans, electrical cables and cigarettes were found.
The same evening, the group returned to the area and searched another factory in Apsey Street.
The storeroom was full of counterfeit goods ready for distribution.
The police arrested 23 suspects. They will appear in court soon.
All the goods confiscated were handed over to customs officials. Both premises were sealed off for further investigation.
No specific estimate has been ascertained on the value of the goods as yet.
