The South African Police Service (SAPS), alongside law enforcement partners, has seized more than R30 million in counterfeit and illicit goods during nationwide operations across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape.
Over 800 000 illegal items were confiscated, including clothing, footwear, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, toys, electronics, food products including a bizarre batch of counterfeit Lucky Star chicken-flavoured goods, a gambling machine, insecticides, and cell phone accessories. Embroidery and silk screen printing machines, labels, and packaging materials were also seized.
Five suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, facing charges ranging from violations of the Tobacco Products Control Act to illegal possession of a gambling machine and Immigration Act offences.
SAPS warned that counterfeit goods pose serious risks to consumer safety, legitimate businesses, and the economy, and praised all law enforcement and regulatory partners for their collaboration.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
