A joint law enforcement operation in Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga, has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth nearly R21,000, the closure of a non-compliant warehouse and the arrest of 13 undocumented foreign nationals.
The operation, carried out on Friday, was led by the Mpumalanga Counterfeit Task Team and involved several SAPS units and government departments, including Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Pienaar Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, the White River K9 Unit, the Department of Home Affairs and Ehlanzeni District Municipal Health Inspectors.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said acting on a search and seizure warrant, officers raided a wholesale warehouse in Kanyamazane where they confiscated 419 packets of illicit cigarettes and more than 10,000 counterfeit skin-lightening creams and medication.
The total value of the seized goods was estimated at R20,950.
During the operation, police also arrested 13 undocumented foreign nationals who were found in possession of invalid passports.
“The warehouse was issued with a permanent closure notice in terms of the applicable Health and Safety Regulations due to non-compliance,” Masondo said.
Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods, enforce immigration laws and protect consumers from potentially harmful products.
IOL News
Xolile Mtembu
iol.co.za
