A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation targeting counterfeit and illicit trade has resulted in the seizure of goods worth about R80 million during a two-day operation in Musina and Thohoyandou. The operation was conducted on 9 and 10 March.
It involved several law enforcement agencies, including the National Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) units from Makhado and Thohoyandou, detectives, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), SARS Customs and brand protectors.
According to police, officers visited 33 shops suspected of dealing in counterfeit and illicit goods during the intelligence-driven operation.
A total of 171,418 items were confiscated in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
The seized goods included clothing, shoes, jewellery, fashion accessories, cellphone accessories, toys and various consumable products believed to be counterfeit.
Authorities also detained one vehicle suspected of being used to transport illicit goods.
Police said the operation followed intelligence gathering that identified several businesses allegedly involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit merchandise.
Provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
“This successful operation sends a clear message that Limpopo is not a safe haven for those involved in the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods,” said Hadebe.
She said police will continue to intensify similar operations across the province.
“We will continue to intensify similar operations across the province to sweep criminal elements out of our communities and protect the economy from illicit activities,” she said.
Police said investigations are continuing.
