Interpol nabs N$7 million in counterfeit goods

The Head of Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Namibia, Chief Inspector Immanuel Sam said the operation, which took place on Thursday and Friday, targeted brands like Adidas, Nike and Puma among many others, while a number of fake cosmetic products were also confiscated at the towns. The operation, which was a joint venture between Interpol, Nampol, Customs, Immigration as well as prime owners and protectors of the different brands. During the operation, over 15 000 items valued at N$6.5 million were arrested. Sam said this has been one of their largest operations to date. While busy with the operation, ten illegal immigrants were arrested. “Some of them were in the shops selling while others were part of the management of shops and couldn’t produce documentation that proves they are legally in the country while others had expired visa,” he says. Although details remains sketchy, a Chinese national was also arrested for attempting to bribe a police officer with N$10 000. It is not clear whether the Chinese national was an illegal immigrant too, or whether the bribe was to prevent the confiscation of fake goods. Sam cautioned the public when it comes to the purchasing of fake goods, especially cosmetic products. “These products are a health risk, and although they are cheaper, poses a danger to people,” he said. Last year, Nampol seized N$14.5 million worth of counterfeit products during a sting operation in Windhoek, which was known as operation ‘Wipe Out’. During the operation, counterfeit Nike, Adidas, Puma, Levis and Samsung products were seized. During that operation, 41 376 items were seized, while 20 notices to appear in court were issued. An amount of N$120 000 of was also seized during the operation. At the time, Nampol spokeprson Edwin Kanguatjivi said due to the illicit smuggling of items, governments are losing billions in revenue. “The seizure of such large volumes of counterfeit products in Khomas alone indicates a rapidly growing market to sell more counterfeit goods to unsuspecting, vulnerable and economically disadvantaged members of the public,” he said. At the time, Kanguatjivi said that during the operation, legal challenges were experienced, including not having search warrants. “However, provisions in the Police Act, Customs and Excise Act, as well as the Criminal Procedures Act made it possible for the operation to attain tangible results,” he said. The Namibian Society of Composer and Authors of Music (Nascam) participated in the operation. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH