Just in the month of January, the South African Police Service (SAPS) seized more than 70 000 counterfeit items valued at over R90 million.

The police also arrested 37 suspects of various nationalities during multiple takedown operations conducted in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal throughout the month of January 2025.

The seized counterfeit and illicit goods included cellphones and accessories, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, toys, clothing and consumables.

These operations were led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with the support of the provincial Counterfeit Goods Units, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs division and brand protectors.

A Mission Action Joint Operation Centre (MAJOC) roving team — comprising SAPS members from various specialised units such as the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) and SAPS drone pilots deployed in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal as part of Operation Vala Umgodi — also formed part of the operations.

While primarily focused on combating illicit mining, these teams also target other criminal activities within the provinces, the police said.

The SAPS said it remains dedicated to dismantling the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods, which pose risks to consumers, harm legitimate businesses and undermine South Africa’s economy.