Through a combined operation, police seized counterfeit goods valued at R100 million in Bellville last Friday morning, July 28.
The integrated operation took place at a shopping complex in Durban Road at 10am and involved police officers, SARS’ Customs and Excise division and brand protectors from various well-known high-end products.
“The multidisciplinary team executed a search warrant after a thorough investigation where intelligence was gathered over a period of time,“ said provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel AndrĂ© Traut.
“The end product of the operation saw truckloads of counterfeit goods comprising an assortment of popular brands which included illicit tobacco products being transported to a depot as exhibits in a 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.
“Four suspects have 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,“ Colonel Traut said.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, issued a warning to illegal traders as similar operations are expected to be carried out in the near future.