By: Natasha Archary

An integrated takedown operation led to R11 million in counterfeit goods beig seized and the arrest of 37 foreign nationals in Fordsburg.
On Thursday, 04 April the South African Police Service (SAPS) seized 8000 items imitating well-known brands including cellphone chargers, cellphone covers, counterfeit labels as well as cellphones.
The operation is a collaborative initiative to dismantle and dislodge the trade of counterfeit and illicit goods across the country.
Led by the SAPS National Counterfeit unit, 18 shops inside a popular shopping centre in Fordsburg were targeted.
Illicit goods worth over R11 million and over R40 000 in cash was seized.
“The team that executed a search and seizure warrant comprised of SAPS members, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services (SARS), Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA), Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and pivate security.
Seized items included various illicit electronic items such as headphones, earphones and bluetooth speakers which are in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act No.36 of 2005 and the ICASA Amendment Act No. 03 of 2006.”
Police made a similar bust of counterfeit goods worth R15 million on Wednesday, 03 April in Fordsburg and arrested one suspect for possession, manufacturing and dealing in counterfeit goods.
#sapsHQ #StopIllicitTrade
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 4, 2024
The SAPS’ National Counterfeit seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R11 million and over R40 000 in abandoned cash in Fordsburg. Police also arrested 37 undocumented foreign nationals. NPhttps://t.co/acXQch3Y0g pic.twitter.com/8QYC5XizP1
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