Durban raid: R27m worth of counterfeit goods seized from Sydenham business, 15 arrested

A massive multi-disciplinary law enforcement blitz in Sydenham, in Durban has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at R27 million and the arrest of 15 individuals, including an employer, for flouting immigration laws.

The intelligence-driven search and seizure operation, conducted on Tuesday, February 24, targeted premises on Felix Dlamini (Brickfield) Road. The team was acting on information regarding illicit trade, contraband, and immigration-related offences within the eThekwini Municipality.

The operation comes after KZN Premier Thami Ntuli warned that the province has launched a campaign to crackdown on illegal immigration in the province.

According to the Durban Metro Police Service, the raid uncovered a business operating with non-compliant products and suspected contraband.

During the search, officials discovered and seized over 14 million cellphone accessories. The total estimated value of the recovered goods is placed at approximately R27 million.

All seized items have been handed over to SARS Customs for further investigation and forensic analysis.

A total of 15 people were taken into custody during the operation:

• 14 individuals were detained for contravening the Immigration Act (illegal immigrants).
• The employer was arrested for the employment of illegal immigrants.

In addition to the immigration charges, suspects are facing charges under the Customs & Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act.

The success of the operation was attributed to a high level of cooperation between national and provincial units.

Participating agencies included:

• SAPS: Provincial and National Counterfeit, Contraband and Illicit Goods Units; Provincial Drugs and Firearm Unit; CIT Task Team; National Intervention Unit; and Public Order Policing (POP) KZN.
• Metro Police: SOD1 Bylaw Special Operations and ORS Crime Prevention.
• National Entities: Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Customs National Rapid Response Team (NRRT).
• Private Sector: Brand Holders Representatives.

Authorities stated that the operation demonstrates a commitment to disrupting illicit trade networks that negatively impact the local economy and legitimate businesses.

"This multi-agency collaboration highlights the strong partnership approach in dismantling illicit trade networks and enforcing compliance within eThekwini Municipality," the Durban Metro Police said in a statement.

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