R2.5-million worth of counterfeit goods seized in Bredell

Officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) conducted an intelligence-driven operation at a plot in Bredell on August 29.

The multi-disciplinary team confiscated counterfeit goods and machinery to an estimated value of R2.5m.

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Johannesburg received information, which was operationalised with the assistance of teams from the SAPS’ national counterfeit unit, border police from OR Tambo International Airport and various brand holders.

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The team arrived at the plot and found it was used as a warehouse that manufactures various counterfeit goods including sanitary pads, Hamburg tea, Gold Star instant yeast and synthetic hair.

The items were seized and further investigations led officers to a shop in Boksburg where five suspects were arrested while delivering the counterfeit goods to various shops in the area.

The five suspects made their first appearance in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on September 2 and faced charges relating to contravention of Section 2 of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997.

At the time of going to print, the outcome of the court proceedings was not known.