Authorities seized a wide range of suspected counterfeit and illicit products, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, toys, cosmetics, high-end fashion accessories, medication and consumable items.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, a total of 178 825 items were seized. “In addition, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) confiscated 12 009 non-compliant items, including canned and frozen meat and fish products, consumables, electronics and small household appliances, with an estimated value of R102 137 270.”
Illicit alcohol with an estimated value of R127 000, as well as counterfeit alcohol valued at R18 500, were confiscated. Law enforcement officials also seized cash amounting to R118 400 during the operation.
A case was opened under the Medicines and Related Substances Act following the discovery of unregistered medication. Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Police clamped down on traders in Hartbeespoort, Brits, Marikana and Rustenburg from 25 to 30 May in a collaborative operation involving the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Customs, SARS Tactical Analysis and Investigation Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Rustenburg, the Anti-Gang Unit, Phokeng K9 Unit, TRT Brits, Hartbeespoort Dam K9 Unit, the North West Provincial Commercial Crime Unit, Brand Protectors and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
