Gauteng police have confiscated more than 4,100 counterfeit and illicit items worth R171,085 during operations targeting 10 shops in Meyerton and Alberton in Gauteng, as authorities intensify their crackdown on the illegal trade in counterfeit products.
The police said the operations, conducted on November 6 and 9, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit consumer products, clothing, toys, phone accessories, illicit pharmaceuticals, and honey.
Police raid five shops in Meyerton
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, working alongside a brand protector, conducted an operation at five shops in Meyerton, Sedibeng District, on Friday.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 274 counterfeit items valued at R61,790.
According to Sibeko, the seized goods included 160 counterfeit consumable products worth R1,840 and 114 textile items valued at R59,950.
Alberton operation uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals and poison
Sibeko said police extended their crackdown to Alberton in Ekurhuleni on Monday, when another five shops were targeted.
The operation involved members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, the Department of Agriculture and a brand protector.
Police confiscated 3,855 items valued at R109,295, including 3,166 counterfeit consumable products, 14 phone accessories, 41 toys and games, and 15 textile items.
Sibeko said officers also seized 251 items of illicit honey and 145 illicit pharmaceutical products.
The two operations resulted in the seizure of 4,129 counterfeit and illicit items worth an estimated R171,085 across 10 shops in Sedibeng and Ekurhuleni.
Police vow to intensify fight against counterfeit goods
Sibeko said the operations demonstrated the police’s commitment to disrupting the distribution and sale of illegal products across Gauteng.
She also urged residents to assist police by reporting businesses suspected of selling illegal products.
“SAPS Gauteng urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report businesses suspected of trading in counterfeit or illicit goods to their nearest police station,” Sibeko said.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
