The “biggest” counterfeit manufacturing plant bust this year took place on Thursday when police swooped in on a premises in Rahima Moosa Street in the Johannesburg city centre.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said over 7000 counterfeit items valued at around R6.6-million were seized.

“These items imitating well-known brands included shoes, clothing, handbags, caps, perfumes, cosmetics and backpacks.”

“Police also seized sewing machines, an overlocker, an embossing machine, a hot press and a large quantity of labels of well-known brands. This is the biggest counterfeit manufacturing plant bust in the past year,” she said.

Van Wyk said the bust was a concerted effort to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit goods.

“The team comprised of members of South African Police Service, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention wardens and private security.” Less than a week ago, the team seized counterfeit goods worth R5.8-million in similar takedown operation in the Johannesburg CBD.