Inside SAPS’ R18m bust: Counterfeit condoms and illicit vodka
· The South African
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized more than 1.5 million counterfeit and illicit items worth R18.27 million during a raid on storage units in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
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The operation uncovered counterfeit consumer goods ranging from Trust condoms and BIC pens to Nike tracksuits, alongside thousands of bottles of illicit vodka.
SAPS raids Boksburg storage units
According to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit conducted the operation on Friday, 24 July, with brand protection investigators after obtaining a search and seizure warrant.
The multidisciplinary team searched four storage units in Boksburg, in the Ekurhuleni District.
Police confiscated 1 459 548 counterfeit items valued at about R18.2 million.
The seized goods included:
- 902 016 Trust condoms
- 326 400 BIC pens
- 156 096 Kiwi shoe polish products
- 44 160 Nivea roll-on deodorants
- 24 192 Lover Plus products
- 5 184 Super Black hair dye products
- 1 500 Nike tracksuits
Officers also seized 14 370 bottles of illicit 100ml vodka, valued at R71 850.
In total, authorities confiscated 1 531 398 items with a combined estimated value of R18 271 850.
SAPS warns of risks posed by counterfeit goods
Sibeko said SAPS remains committed to protecting consumers, supporting legitimate businesses and disrupting criminal networks involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods.
She said these crimes damage South Africa’s economy, undermine lawful trade and expose consumers to potentially harmful products.
SAPS has urged the public and business owners to report the manufacture, storage or sale of counterfeit goods to their nearest police station or via the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.