CHENNAI: In a coordinated crackdown on the trade of counterfeit products, the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Cell (IPREC) registered significant successes last week, leading to the arrest of accused individuals and the seizure of fake goods like cigarettes and soft drinks, valued at approximately Rs 1.63 lakh.

Acting on formal complaints filed through authorised agents of leading companies, IPREC inspectors across various jurisdictions initiated surveillance and investigations against individuals allegedly selling spurious products under the names of reputed brands.

During targeted search operations, enforcement teams uncovered a haul of counterfeit items such as 170 bundles of fake ITC Gold Flake Filter and Gold Flake Lights cigarettes, 5310 bottles of counterfeit Bovonto cool drinks, and 7 ¾ rolls of imitation Balimo labels. All of them were seized and the accused persons were arrested on the spot.

In connection with this inter-State racket, cases have been formally registered and investigations are being pursued by the IPREC units in Chennai–I and Salem. Senior police officials have lauded the efforts of the teams involved.

Appealing to the public for continued vigilance, officials urged citizens to volunteer any information regarding the manufacture or sale of counterfeit products to spirec@gmail.com or call (044) 2851 1587.