A major multidisciplinary law enforcement operation is currently underway in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD), where the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit has launched a large-scale crackdown on counterfeit and illicit trade.
The operation brings together a range of internal and external stakeholders, including members of SAPS, the Gauteng Drone Unit, SAPS Public Order Police (POP), the Johannesburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Johannesburg Central VISPOL, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), brand protectors, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the National Consumer Commission, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens and private security companies.
The multidisciplinary team assembled at Mary Fitzgerald Square, where Brigadier Mark Joseph briefed members on the operational plan ahead of the enforcement action.
The operation, led by Colonel Wouter Diamond of the SAPS National Counterfeit Goods Unit, is targeting businesses suspected of trading in counterfeit and illicit goods.
Raids are currently underway, with suspects being arrested as the operation unfolds.
Authorities say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods, protect consumers and legitimate businesses, and disrupt illicit trade networks.-
