R19m in fake luxury goods seized in Bloemfontein crackdown
Thousands of knock-off fashion items were uncovered in a two-day blitz on city centre retail stores.
SAPS confiscated counterfeit goods worth over R19m and apprehended six foreign nationals in a series of targeted operations in Bloemfontein.
The raids were spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with assistance from the Public Order Policing team in Bloemfontein, officers from SARS Customs Division, brand protection representatives and private security personnel.
Bloemfontein Courant reports that search and seizure warrants, issued under the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, were executed at selected retail premises in Bloemfontein’s city centre last week.
“Over the course of two days, more than 13 000 counterfeit items were confiscated that included clothing, shoes, bags and jewellery,” says police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. “[The] majority of the seized items are imitations of high-end luxury brands.”
Six foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, with one suspect also facing an additional charge of resisting arrest.
“SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses and support the South African economy,” adds Van Wyk.
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
