Police confiscated counterfeit clothing worth over R37 million in an operation in Durban's CBD on Thursday morning.
KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said the operation was carried out by a team focused on contraband and counterfeit goods after intelligence revealed the sale of counterfeit items in shops on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street in the Point area.
"The team acted on information received and conducted raids on several shops in the area. Police obtained search warrants, which led to the seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit high-end clothing items, watches, and other big brand goods," said Netshiunda.
At least four suspects, all foreign nationals, were arrested during the operation, which is still ongoing. "Their status in the country is yet to be confirmed," Netshiunda added. According to Netshiunda, the suspects will face charges related to contraband and counterfeit goods. "Once processed, the suspects will be taken to court to face the full might of the law," he said.
The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts by police to target the illegal trade of counterfeit goods in the province, which, as Netshiunda stated, undermines the economy and threatens the jobs of legitimate workers. "These operations send a strong message that we will not tolerate the trade of illicit goods," he emphasised.
Last month, IOL reported that police in the Western Cape seized R55 million worth of counterfeit goods during a clampdown on illegal trade, which took place in Bellville, Cape Town.
The Mercury