The illicit trade in counterfeit goods has been dealt a blow after members of SAPS, together with Customs and Excise officials, and brand protectors, pounced on a shopping complex in Bellville this past Friday, seizing millions of rands worth of fake goods.

At around 10:00 the multidisciplinary team executed a search warrant, after a thorough investigation, where intelligence was gathered over a period of time.

Truckloads of counterfeit goods comprising an assortment of popular brands as well as illicit tobacco products was seized, with a conservative value estimated at R100 million.

The goods was transported to a depot as exhibits in a contravention of the Counterfeits Goods Act case. Four suspects were detained while many traders abandoned their stalls upon police arrival and managed to escape being apprehended.

Police say more arrests could follow as the investigation gathers momentum.

The Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile expressed his appreciation towards the members of the team who ensured the successful removal of the fake products from the streets. Patekile has vowed that similar operations will soon take place to rid the province from these illicit products.

According to the Consumer Goods Council, illicit trade is one of the biggest threats to economic order and growth in South Africa.

Various industries are affected, including alcohol, cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, food and apparel.

In May this year, counterfeit goods valued at R400 million were seized by police officers after a ship entered Durban Harbour.

The council says illicit trade and counterfeiting of goods robs the fiscus of taxes and in so doing impairs the government ability to serve the citizens of South Africa effectively.

Counterfeit food also poses a health risk to the consumer as the contents of these products are unknown and not verified.

The council has a toll-free hotline which the public can use to anonymously report information related to illicit trade and the counterfeiting of products.

Residents can dial 0800 014 856 between 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday or leave a message on the automated service after 5 pm daily and on weekends and public holidays.

The hotline is free and anonymous, and information will be treated in confidence and once verified it will be shared with SAPS and SARS and all other relevant law enforcement agencies.

SARS says South Africa is losing a large portion of its GDP every year, to the illicit economy.

A large number of illicit cigarettes are consumed in South Africa every year. That means a huge lose in excise revenue every year, money that could go towards building more schools, roads and houses.

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