Police seized more than 70 000 counterfeit items valued at over R90 million during the first half of the year. The police also arrested 37 suspects of various nationalities during multiple takedown operations conducted in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Limpopo during January.

The seized counterfeit and illicit goods included cellphones and accessories, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, toys, clothing and consumables.

These operations were led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with the support of the provincial Counterfeit Goods Units, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs division and brand protectors.

A team -comprising SAPS members from various specialised units such as the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) and SAPS drone pilots - were deployed in KZN and Limpopo as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.

“While primarily focused on combating illicit mining, these teams also target other criminal activities within the provinces. SAPS said they remained dedicated to dismantling the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods, which, they added, poses a risks to consumers, harms legitimate businesses and undermines South Africa’s economy,” said the National Counterfeit Goods Unit in a statement.

The unit was the overall winner in the Visible Policing Team of the Year category at the SAPS National Excellence Awards held in late January.

The illicit goods included cellphones and accessories, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, toys, clothing and consumables. Picture: SUPPLIED

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SAPS seize more than 70 000 counterfeit items worth R90m during January