Operation Duty Calls at the Durban Harbour results in discovery of R120 million counterfeit goods

Today, 7 January 2011, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime intelligence and Hawks unit conducted an operation at the Durban Harbour and discovered five containers containing counterfeit goods. The goods came into the harbour from China just over a week ago. The value of the goods is estimated at R120 million. It’s the biggest seizure of goods in one day.

SAPS Crime Intelligence provided information on the goods shortly after they came into the port. An investigation by the SAPS Hawks, South African Revenue Service (SARS) and other SAPS units determined that the goods were indeed counterfeit. On opening the containers, we discovered Springbok Rugby jerseys, Ferrari and Puma watches, Levis Jeans, Dolce and Gabana, Uzzi, Nike, Adidas, Oakley and Armani sunglasses and many more other brands.

The goods were destined for Johannesburg. It’s still not clear whether or not all the goods were going to end up in the South African market, or if others were going to end up being sold in neighbouring African countries. The biggest problem with counterfeit goods, is that the quality is getting better and better. They are starting to resemble authentic brands. As a result, it’s becoming harder to detect them. With the Nike shoes for instance, you literally have to cut the sole of the shoe to determine whether or not they are counterfeit.

We are still investigating who the actual importers of these counterfeit goods are. Our investigations will also try determining individuals or buyers to which the containers were destined. The scale of the items seized tells us that this is the work of sophisticated and organised criminal gangs. The confiscated goods will be handed over to crime intelligence. A court order will be obtained to have the goods destroyed.

Source: South African Police Service