A large-scale operation targeting the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods is underway in the Johannesburg CBD, with police forcing entry into several locked business premises as part of the crackdown.
The South African Police Service's (SAPS) National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit is leading the operation, which is being carried out under the authority of a search warrant.
Authorities are targeting businesses suspected of manufacturing, storing or selling counterfeit and illicit goods.
National police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said the operation remains active and involves a coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement and government agencies.
She said members of the Tactical Response Team and Public Order Policing are assisting SAPS's National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit during the raids.
Van Wyk added that officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the South African Revenue Service's Customs Division and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications are also participating in the operation.
She said the multi-agency initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in the trade of counterfeit and illicit goods and to enforce compliance with South African laws.
The operation was still underway at the time of publication, with authorities expected to provide further details once it has concluded.