Some of the items found.
Image: Facebook/Durban Metro Police Service
IN A JOINT operation on Tuesday, metro police seized R27 million worth of counterfeit goods in Overport, arresting 14 individuals for immigration violations and disrupting illicit trade networks.
In a statement on Facebook, metro police said the large-scale search and seizure operation targeted illicit trade, counterfeit goods, contraband, and immigration-related offences.
At premises on Felix Dlamini Road, members discovered:
● A business operating with non-compliant and suspected contraband goods.
● 14 individuals were found to be in contravention of the Immigration Act (illegal immigrants).
The statement said the individuals and their employer were detained for further processing.
The team at one of the premises in Overport.
Image: Facebook/Durban Metro Police Service
Recoveries
● Over 14 million cellphone accessories were seized. The estimated total value of the recovered goods was R27 million.
● Goods were handed over to customs for further investigation and analysis.
14 people were arrested for contravention the Immigration Act.
Image: Facebook/Durban Metro Police Service
Arrests
● 14 arrests for contravention of the Immigration Act.
● Additional charges under the Customs & Excise Act and Counterfeit Goods Act.
● The employer was also arrested for employing illegal immigrants.
"This operation demonstrates strong collaboration between metro police and various national and provincial law enforcement agencies in disrupting illicit trade networks that negatively impact the economy and legitimate businesses."