Cops seize R20m fake goods

2004-10-08 10:38

Pretoria - More than R20m worth of counterfeit goods including cellphones and car batteries were confiscated in Laudium on Friday, police said.

Police spokesperson Captain Piletji Sebola said the organised crime unit raided the warehouse just after 06:00.

"They were responding to information received from sources," he said.

Investigators found cellphones and accessories, car- and portable radios, speakers, cameras, crockery, padlocks, car batteries, jewellery and toys.

"Police have involved officials from cellphone companies and immigration officers to help them with their investigation," he said.

It was suspected that the items had been imported from China.

"We think it may have past through Chinese customs as second hand goods," Sebola said.

He said five people, including the 33-year-old owner of the factory had been found on the premises but no one was arrested.

"We are expecting to apprehend people shortly," he said.

- SAPA