418 Counterfeit cellphones seized in CBD
Boxes containing 418 counterfeit cellphones were seized, including known names like Nokia, Sony and Samsung.
Newcastle police yesterday arrested two suspects aged between 30 and 35, for selling counterfeit cellphones from two different shops in the CBD.
Allegedly, police received a tip off after which the Newcastle K9 Unit initiated an investigation into both stores, one situated on Allen Street and the other on Murchison Street.
Boxes containing 418 counterfeit cellphones were seized, including known names like Nokia, Sony and Samsung.
According to Warrant Officer Simon Luthuli, police spokesperson, the phones were sold illegally to the public.
“These phones do not have genuine serial numbers and are not linked to the Internet. We also discovered a bag of stickers with fake serial numbers, which the men used to deceive customers,” he said.
A case of possession of counterfeit goods were opened against both suspects, who are expected to appear in court soon.
“Members of the community must be careful of scams like these when purchasing cellphones,” said W/O Luthuli. “Most of the phones will have defective features, such as incorrectly spelled names.”
Residents are also urged to request a receipt as proof of purchase, which will assist them if a problem with the phone should arise.
