Counterfeit goods beyond R100 million seized by police

Counterfeit goods estimated to exceed R100 million were seized by police in what can be termed a multimillion-rand integrated takedown operation on Friday, 28 July.

THE LOCATION OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY OPERATION

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut reports that members of SAPS, Customs and Excise and brand protectors from various famous high-end products descended on a shopping complex on Durban Road in Bellville this morning to tackle the illicit trade in counterfeit goods.

“ At around 10:00 the multidisciplinary team executed a search warrant after a thorough investigation where intelligence was gathered over a period of time.”

Colonel Traut

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ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE COUNTERFEIT GOODS

He said the end product of the operation saw truckloads of counterfeit goods comprising an assortment of popular brands and illicit tobacco products being transported to a depot as exhibits in contravention of the Counterfeits Goods Act case.
“The value of the seizure is hard to determine at this premature stage, but a fair estimate will go beyond a R100 million,” Colonel Traut estimated.

He added four suspects had been detained while many traders abandoned their stalls upon police arrival and managed to escape being apprehended. “As our investigation unfolds, more arrests could be affected,” a determined Colonel Traut said.

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POLICE HEAD COMMENDS SUCCESS

The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape police, Lieutenant General (Adv) TE Patekile expressed his sincere appreciation towards the members of the team who ensured the successful removal of fake products from the streets of the Province. Lt Gen (Adv) Patekile said that those who are under the impression that they can make a lucrative living from selling inferior goods to the public and impacting on the economy of the county should reconsider because more similar operations will be executed not long from now.

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