ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
R27 MILLION WORTH OF ILLICIT COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED DURING JOINT OPERATION
An intelligence-driven operation in Sydenham led to the arrest of 14 suspects and the confiscation of counterfeit merchandise worth R27 million.
The joint multi-disciplinary operation was conducted along Felix Dlamini Road by the Durban Metro Police together with partnering law enforcement stakeholders.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to eradicate the mushrooming of illegal business operations, unlawful housing and trading activities, illicit trade, counterfeit goods, contraband, and immigration-related offences.
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered and seized approximately 14 million cell-phone accessories with an estimated street value of R27 million.
Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu confirmed the seizure of the illegal items and stated that 14 individuals were found to be in contravention of the Immigration Act.
These foreign nationals will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs to determine the validity of their documentation.
“If you follow our trail in infiltrating illegal drug use, businesses and ensuring by-law enforcement throughout the City, we are immensely elated at the major strides we’ve taken in partnering with provincial and national law enforcement institutions,” said Zungu.
He added that law enforcement operations will continue to be intensified.
Frequent joint operations will be conducted in partnership with various spheres of government to eradicate criminal activities, curb unauthorised business trading, and ensure overall economic growth.
The following law enforcement and regulatory units participated in the joint search and seizure operation in Sydenham:
* South African Police Service
* Provincial and National Counterfeit, Contraband and Illicit Goods Units
* Provincial Drugs and Firearm Unit
* Provincial CIT Task Team
* National Intervention Unit
* Public Order Policing KZN
* Metro Police SOD1 Bylaw Special Operations and ORS Crime Prevention
* Border Management Authority
* Customs National Rapid Response Team
* Brand Holders Representatives.
This multi-agency collaboration highlights the strong partnership approach in addressing illicit trade networks and enforcing compliance within eThekwini Municipality and beyond.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
