Fake perfumes with an estimated value of R1.2 million was confiscated in a joint operation by the Port of Ngqura border policing and patent attorneys, Spoor and Fisher on Thursday, 22 April at a shop in North Street in North End in Gqeberha.
According to Col. Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, it is alleged that at about 09:30 on the mentioned date, the Commander of the Port of Ngqura, Col Christopher Zondi, received information of counterfeit perfumes being sold at the shop and immediately operationalised the information received.
“Police, accompanied by a representative from the patent attorney’s office, searched the shop and a total of 751 units of ladies perfumes were seized.
“A warning was issued to the owner of the store for contravention of patent laws through trading in counterfeit goods. The goods were handed over to the registered patent attorneys for storage at a licenced warehouse,” Naidu said.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, welcomed the seizure and lauded the swift actions of Zondi and his team.
In order to stop the illicit trade and counterfeiting of goods, she urged the communities to report any information relating to such to the toll-free hotline.
“The SAPS is taking a strong stance to eliminate illegal trading in counterfeit goods, which ultimately affects our economy. We encourage the communities to assist law enforcement in clamping down on such trade. Operations such as this will be effected on a continuous basis,” added Ntshinga.
The illicit crime hotline is 0800 014 856. Should a person not be able to call the hotline, then an e-mail may be sent to reportillicit@cgcsa.co.za. All information may be anonymous and will be treated with confidence.
