SAPS seizes illicit goods worth R350 Million in major nationwide crackdown

Mapaballo Borotho

SAPS has confiscated counterfeit and illicit goods valued at more than R350 million during a nationwide operation. — Image @SAPS media

SAPS has confiscated counterfeit and illicit goods valued at more than R350 million during a nationwide operation.
The bust spanned Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, resulting in 33 arrests.
Police have warned the public about the serious risks posed by counterfeit goods to consumers and the economy.

In one of the largest crime busts of December 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R350 million during a nationwide takedown operation.

The operation was conducted across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

SAPS spokesperson Amanda Van Wyk said nearly 600,000 counterfeit and illicit items were confiscated, including high-end designer-branded clothing, sports apparel, footwear, jewellery, cosmetics and cellphone accessories.

“Among the seized items were illicit pharmaceuticals valued at more than R1 million, as well as illicit cigarettes, liquor and other consumables,” Van Wyk said.

She added that police arrested a total of 33 suspects during the operations for various offences, including dealing in counterfeit goods, possession of drugs, and contraventions of the Medicines Control Act, the Liquor Act, the Second-Hand Goods Act and the Immigration Act.

Police have also warned the public that counterfeit goods pose serious risks to consumers, legitimate businesses and the country’s economy.

These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with little regard for quality standards, safety or lawful trade practices. Legitimate manufacturers and retailers also lose market share to illegal traders, resulting in reduced production and job losses.