The Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigating team, with brand protectors from Spoor & Fisher Attorneys, executed a search and seizure disruptive operation in terms of counterfeit goods Act 37 of 1997 at premises in Selection Park on Friday.
They were assisted by members of POPs.
According to Lt-Col Philani Nkwalase, a disruptive search operation was preceded by an in-depth investigation into the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit washing powder at the said premises.
“Samples of the counterfeit products were purchased whilst the Intellectual Property Rights Section of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based at the Hawks head office were carrying out their preliminary investigation along with brand protectors,” explained Nkwalase.
Also read: Officers seize vehicles full of counterfeit goods
The Hawks-led team found the premises were a large scale manufacturing and distribution facility.
“Huge amount of raw materials including machinery as well as industrial sifting machine, unbranded washing powder along with counterfeit labels bearing well-known trademarks of various proprietors, sodium-filled and empty buckets, electronic scale, colouring and dye were all found and seized for further investigation.
“The combined value of all the goods seized has not yet been established,” added Nkwalase.
Criminal and civil processes are underway against a 42-year-old suspect and he will also be served with J175 summons to appear at Springs Magistrate’s Court for contravention of the counterfeit goods Act 37 of 1997 once all investigations are concluded.
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