Gauteng Premier David Makhura also welcomed the arrest of criminals who trade in
counterfeit goods. "As South Africans we must work collectively to build our economy and create much needed jobs.
Anyone wanting to report suspicions
counterfeit goods sales can call the anonymous Staffordshire Fight the Fakes line on 01785 330356.
Trott, of Cheltenham Road, Sunderland, who was caught with a small haul of
counterfeit goods in 2014 but faced no official action, admitted six offences of unauthorised use of a trademark and three of failing to comply with Health and Safety requirements of product safety.
Consumers should stay away from outlets and channels that offer
counterfeit goods as such practices are detrimental to the rights of trademark owners as well as consumer health, he added.
Behzad said the electronic surveillance team of CCCP has been able to track
counterfeit goods of more than 48 international brands, which primarily included bags, watches and phone accessories, in addition to perfumes, cosmetics, and clothing.
Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said: "
Counterfeit goods, especially electronics and beauty products, can risk the safety of consumers, and allow organised criminals to take money from honest retailers and public funds.
"The counterfeit and illicit goods are not only dangerous to people's health, but also affect the business of local manufacturers," he said, adding that the war will help the country to achieve the Big Four Agenda.He said lot of manufacturing industries are running out of business because of the effect of the influx of
counterfeit goods.
Following the raid, the authority urged people to beware potentially
counterfeit goods as many - including candles and perfume - can pose serious safety risks.
Ebrahim Behzad, director of Intellectual Property Rights Protection Management at DED, said, "Social networking accounts have come in handy for many who trade in
counterfeit goods nowadays but the IPR team maintains tight vigil to prevent such misuse of modern technology and protect the reputation of Dubai as a competitive business hub.
Behzad also said that law firms and trademarks owners cooperated with them to close these accounts that sell
counterfeit goods. 30 websites were also closed for the same accusations.
EU manufacturers lose billions of euros annually as a result of a rising flood of
counterfeit goods being brought into the bloc, a fresh report has shown.
PC Matt Attwell, from West Midlands Police Force CID, said: "This was a huge haul of
counterfeit goods which could easily have been mistaken as genuine.