Police seize counterfeit luxury goods worth R400 million in KZN
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have uncovered counterfeit luxury goods valued at approximately R400 million at a freight depot in Edwin Swales, south of Durban.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police discovered the counterfeit goods on Tuesday 27 May during a routine cargo profiling operation.
'Police were conducting a routine cargo profiling when they found two containers which contained counterfeit designer clothes, jewellery and kitchenware,' said Netshiunda. 'Both containers were fraudulently declared as furniture.'
Investigators believe a supplier in an Asian country sent the containers to South Africa.
The sender intended to deliver the cargo to Alberton and central Johannesburg in Gauteng Province.
Street vendors typically sell the counterfeit goods marked with the trademarks of world-renowned luxury brands at significantly reduced prices.
Netshiunda confirmed that police are working to trace the individuals or criminal networks involved in the importation.
The Durban operation comes just a week after Gauteng police seized counterfeit goods worth over R20 million in Bruma, east of Johannesburg.
A multidisciplinary team conducted that operation based on gathered intelligence.
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said police arrested 35 individuals during the raid.
Authorities charged one person under the Counterfeit Goods Act and arrested 34 foreign nationals for contravening the Immigration Act.
Van Wyk said the team confiscated more than 24 000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, footwear, handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and cellphone accessories.
'The SAPS remains relentless in its efforts to dismantle the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods in order to protect consumers against harmful products. Support legitimate businesses and uphold the integrity of South Africa's economy,' she said.
Both operations show that police are increasingly committed to clamping down on the illegal trade of counterfeit goods.
This trade continues to threaten the country's economy and legitimate businesses.
Investigations into the source and distribution networks of the seized goods are ongoing.
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