Police raid 27 Gauteng shops, seize R369,000 in counterfeit and illicit goods - IOL

Some of the counterfeit and illicit items Gauteng police seized during operations targeting shops in the West Rand, Vanderbijlpark and Randfontein.

Police have seized more than R369,000 worth of counterfeit and illicit goods, including pharmaceutical products and poison, during a three-day crackdown targeting 27 shops across the West Rand and Sedibeng districts.

The Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, assisted by brand protectors, confiscated 6,293 items valued at an estimated R369,310 during operations conducted between September 29 and October 1.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the operations formed part of intensified efforts to tackle the illicit trade across the province.

“The South African Police Service in Gauteng continues to intensify operations aimed at combating the trade in counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods across the province,” Nevhuhulwi said.

The crackdown began in the West Rand District on September 29, when police and brand protectors descended on nine shops.

A total of 1,379 items worth an estimated R60,500 were seized.

“The seized goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, cellphone accessories, as well as illicit poison, honey and pharmaceutical products,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Police shifted their focus to Vanderbijlpark in the Sedibeng District the following day, visiting eight shops and confiscating 2,449 items.

The goods were valued at approximately R215,100, making it the biggest haul of the three operations.

Nevhuhulwi said the items included “counterfeit consumables, toys and games, cellphone accessories and illicit pharmaceutical products”.

On Thursday, police conducted another operation in Randfontein, where 10 shops were targeted.

Officers seized 2,465 items valued at about R93,710.

“The seized goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, illicit poison, honey and pharmaceutical products,” Nevhuhulwi said.

The three operations resulted in the confiscation of thousands of products potentially destined for consumers.

“The three operations resulted in the seizure of a combined total of 6,293 items with an estimated value of R369,310,” Nevhuhulwi said.

She said police would continue targeting the distribution and sale of illegal goods.

“SAPS Gauteng remains committed to disrupting the distribution and sale of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods, which undermine legitimate businesses and may pose health and safety risks to consumers,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Police have urged members of the public to report the sale and distribution of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods at their nearest police station.