Police have seized counterfeit goods worth R13 million during an operation in Johannesburg. The bust was made by police from various units together with SARS officials yesterday. They confiscated over 18 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, bags, caps and watches in the Johannesburg CBD.

According to national police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the police received information that led them to three positive addresses. During the operation, the team also dismantled a hidden manufacturing plant and storage facility where counterfeit goods were distributed to shops in and around JHB. "At this location, police seized large quantities of counterfeit items including a computer hard drive, silk screening and laser cutting machines. The police seized counterfeit goods to the value of R13 million," she said, adding that the police will continue to dislodge and dismantle the illicit trade in counterfeit goods. Van Wyk added that illicit trade in counterfeit goods has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country with loss of revenue.

Van Wyk added that they have also arrested five undocumented suspects during their operation. She said the suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates Court soon.