The Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a counterfeit goods operation and confiscated 1,018 unlawful products valued at R391,677 in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni District on Thursday, October 31.
SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said during the operation, two individuals were detained for dealing with counterfeit and unlawful items.
Mobile accessories were also confiscated.
“The operation was a collaborative effort between the Gauteng Counterfeit Goods Police Unit, SAPS Boksburg, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Germiston and Brand holders,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Nevhuhulwi added that this action reflects the police’s dedication to defending the community from counterfeit goods and protecting customers from substandard items.
In a similar case, the Hawks in Gauteng raided a residential property in Mayfair, Johannesburg where counterfeit Fine Fragrance Collection products were being produced.
Spokesperson for the Hawks in Gauteng, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela stated that the magnitude of the unlawful plant in Johannesburg might have resulted in a financial loss of R7 million for Fine Fragrance Collection.
Four Ethiopian nationals were arrested in the raid.
“A residential address at 10th Avenue, Mayfair, Johannesburg was put under surveillance to confirm the alleged illegal activities. On Thursday, 17 October the Hawks team descended at the premises and uncovered a fully equipped clandestine factory in the process of manufacturing Fine Fragrance Collection fragrances,” Mavimbela said.
Materials such as machines, perfume mixing containers, bottles, and sticker labels were confiscated for further analysis. A case was registered at the Johannesburg Central Police Station.
IOL