KING WILLIAM’S TOWN – SAPS efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit goods have paid off when counterfeit goods worth over R1 million were confiscated by Border Police on 27 October 2020.
It is alleged that on 27 October 2020, Sea Border members received the information regarding sale of counterfeits goods from different shops in the Nelson Mandela Metro. The members engaged the role players from Spoor and Fisher patent attorneys (attorneys representing the branded goods in South Africa). A joint operation between Ngqura Sea Port and members from Spoor and Fisher was conducted and counterfeit goods were recovered from three shops as follows;
•240 units La Coste perfume,
•540 units Chanel NO 5 perfume and
•3870 units Bvlgari perfumes
All with an estimated street value of R1 39 5000. 00
•1320 pieces Colgate toothbrushes and
•425 pieces Naked lipstick.
With an estimated street value of R166 500. 00
•2140 Super Max blades and
•55 pieces Colgate toothbrushes
With an estimated street value of R23 000. 00
All the goods were seized after being confirmed by patent attorneys as being counterfeit and the items were handed over to the licenced warehouse for further destruction.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga commended law abiding citizens who continue to provide SAPS with information on these counterfeit goods and the Border Policing members for their quick response in following up on information. “The quick response by Border Policing members in following up information on these counterfeit goods will ensure that more counterfeit goods are seized and removed from the shops and in return curb the proliferation of these goods,” she said.
“Fake and counterfeit products pose a serious risk to the country’s economy as South Africa loses tax revenue due to the illicit trade. The community is fervently urged to refrain from buying counterfeit goods and to report any suspicious behaviour to the police,” she added.
