Illegal pad distributors appear in court
Thousands of sanitary towels, shoe polish, cosmetic creams and skin-lightening creams, branded in famous local brands, were seized by the police.
The 14 foreign nationals arrested in connection with running an illegal sanitary pad firm in White River, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court.
The 12 Malawian and two Chinese nationals face charges of contravening the immigration laws as well as manufacturing and/or distribution of counterfeit goods. They were all remanded in custody.They will appear in the same court on May 22.
Also read: Illegal sanitary pads firm busted in White River
Their arrest comes after police busted an illegal pad firm during an Operation Fiela at Rocky Drift.
More than R16 000 was also confiscated during the operation.
“It seems as though the warehouse was used for manufacturing as a legitimate business. However, it also served as a storage and processing venue for counterfeit goods which are packaged in local famous brands before being distributed to various points in the province,” said Brig Mntsholi Bhembe.
