Police seized counterfeit goods including bags, perfumes and clothes. (Supplied/SAPS)
Police have seized counterfeit goods with an estimated street value of R15.5 million in an operation that targeted Johannesburg’s popular fashion district in the CBD.
On Friday, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit conducted an integrated takedown operation that targeted a shopping mall on the corner of Rahima Moosa and Von Wielligh streets.
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Police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said intelligence also led the team to hidden storage facilities at the mall where special equipment was utilised to gain entry.
“The operation resulted in the seizure of over 18 000 counterfeit items seized that included shoes, sports apparel, handbags, caps and perfumes,” Van Wyk said.
“In addition, the team seized counterfeit goods worth R6.6 million on 13 June 2024, and also seized counterfeit goods worth R5.8 million on 7 June 2024, during similar takedown operations in the Johannesburg CBD.”
Empty packets ready to be filled with counterfeit sanitary pads. (Supplied/SAPS)
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Counterfeit sports jerseys. (Supplied/SAPS)
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Police search for counterfeit goods inside a hidden storage space in the Johannesburg CBD. (Supplied/SAPS)
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Police seized counterfeit goods including bags, perfumes and clothes and sanitary products. (Supplied/SAPS)
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Bales of counterfeit goods seized during bust in Johannesburg CBD. (Supplied/SAPS)
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She said the total street value of the counterfeit goods seized in the past three weeks added up to nearly R28 million.
Van Wyk said the search-seizure warrant was carried out in collaboration with members of the Gauteng traffic department, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, brand protectors, crime prevention wardens and private security companies.
