R77.9m illicit goods seized in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Mankweng
A multi-agency operation in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Mankweng seized R77.9 million worth of illicit and counterfeit goods.
LIMPOPO – A multi-agency operation conducted in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, and Mankweng from July 7 to 9 resulted in the seizure of illicit and counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R77.9 million.
The operation was led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit in collaboration with Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), the Department of Agriculture and Brand Protectors.
162 072 items seized
A total of 162 072 illicit and counterfeit items were seized during the operation. The goods included:
- Branded clothing and footwear
- Jewellery, cosmetics and fashion accessories
- Toys and consumable goods
- Illicit medicines
- Agricultural products, including pesticides and honey
- Alcohol
- Electrical, automotive and mechanical products that failed to comply with compulsory specifications
37 non-compliance notices issued
In addition, 37 non-compliance notices were issued to businesses found to be contravening applicable legislation.
