GAUTENG – Gauteng police have confiscated counterfeit, contraband and non-compliant goods worth more than R5 million during a three-day enforcement operation targeting businesses across Johannesburg.

The operation, conducted between 13 and 15 July, was led by the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit in partnership with the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) and brand protection experts. The multidisciplinary teams carried out compliance inspections in Protea, Langlaagte and Randburg.

According to police, the operation focused on businesses suspected of trading in counterfeit products and on ensuring compliance with legislation governing the sale and distribution of consumer goods.

The first operation took place in Protea on Monday, 13 July, where officers inspected six shops. Authorities confiscated 633 items with an estimated value of R157 270.

The seized goods included 36 counterfeit pairs of shoes, 117 counterfeit cellphone accessories, 397 counterfeit consumable products, and 83 illicit poison products.

On Tuesday, 14 July, the operation shifted to Langlaagte, where police and NRCS inspectors searched a warehouse. During the inspection, officials seized 35 781 non-compliant electrical products with an estimated value of R4.7 million, making it the largest single seizure of the operation.

The final phase was carried out on Wednesday, 15 July, in Randburg, where two shops were inspected. Authorities confiscated 1 446 items worth an estimated R187 890.

Among the goods seized were 529 counterfeit consumable products, 13 counterfeit toys, and 904 non-compliant electrical products.

In total, police confiscated 37 860 counterfeit, contraband and non-compliant items with a combined estimated value of R5 054 505.

Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of counterfeit and unsafe products, protect consumers, and enforce compliance with national regulations.

Members of the public are urged to report the sale or distribution of counterfeit or illicit goods to their nearest police station, the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111, or anonymously via the MySAPS App.

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