Image: Some of the counterfeit skin-lightening creams and medication recovered from a warehouse in Kanyamazane.
A multi-disciplinary operation in Mpumalanga resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods valued at R20 950, the closure of a warehouse and the arrest of 13 undocumented foreign nationals.
The operation was carried out at a wholesale warehouse in Kanyamazane on Friday, 31 July, by the Mpumalanga Counterfeit Task Team, together with several SAPS units and other government stakeholders.
During the execution of a search-and-seizure warrant, officers recovered 419 packets of illicit cigarettes and more than 10 000 counterfeit skin-lightening creams and medication.
Image: Packets of illicit cigarettes seized during the multi-disciplinary operation in Kanyamazane.
The operation included members of Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, the Pienaar Public Order Policing Unit, the White River K9 Unit, the Department of Home Affairs and Ehlanzeni District Municipal Health Inspectors.
Thirteen foreign nationals were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of invalid passports. The warehouse was also issued with a permanent closure notice for failing to comply with applicable health and safety regulations.