R9 million worth of counterfeit goods seized during Pretoria operation

Police seized more than 10,000 counterfeit items.

Police have seized R9 million worth of counterfeit goods during a multidisciplinary operation in Gauteng. 

The operation took place on Thursday, September 10, in Marabastad in Pretoria. 

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said the operation formed part of ongoing nationwide efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illegal trade, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods in South Africa.

The operation included SAPS, SARS' Custom Enforcement Unit and brand protectors.

The National Illicit Goods Unit, supported by the Gauteng Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, South African Revenue Service NRRT Customs Enforcement Unit and brand protectors, executed search-and-seizure warrants. 

The team seized more than 10,000 counterfeit items, including branded sports apparel, footwear, cosmetics and cellular accessories.

Search-and-seizure warrants were executed in Marabastad.

“The latest seizure follows a similar operation conducted last week at a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD, where counterfeit goods including Springboks-branded merchandise and manufacturing equipment worth more than R1.5 million were seized,” van Wyk said. 

The illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods not only infringes on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners, but also poses potential health and safety risks to consumers.

More than 10,000 counterfeit goods were seized.

“Operating outside regulated systems and without adherence to prescribed quality standards, the counterfeit goods industry has a detrimental impact on legitimate businesses and contributes to economic losses,” van Wyk said. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) commended all participating government departments, law enforcement agencies, brand protectors and other relevant stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in the collective fight against counterfeit and illicit goods.