RIYADH: More than 6,000 counterfeit spare auto parts were seized and the foreign workers seen packing them in two warehouses in Riyadh arrested.
According to an official from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI), the two warehouses, located in the Aziziyah district, stored counterfeit auto parts of famous brands, and there were also 1.6 million fake labels, and empty cartons which were ready to be filled and loaded onto trucks for distribution among retail outlets in the city.
The two warehouses, manned by foreign workers, used to change the country of origin of the counterfeit auto spare parts and replace them with labels of well-known brands. The seized goods were mainly cans of oil and oil filters.
In a statement, the ministry said it has always maintained that it will continue inspection tours on markets, food warehouses, shops and all commercial establishments to ensure their compliance with regulations and eliminate fraudulent practices. It also stressed that it will exercise zero tolerance with violators and those involved in fraud which put the health and safety of consumers at risk.
The detection was made by authorities following a tip provided by people in the neighborhood of the warehouse. During the inspection, the MCI inspectors initially found a machine which was used to print the covers and barcode numbers of the counterfeit auto parts.
The official also said that the workers, who violated the labor laws of the Kingdom, had been employed in the two warehouses where printing, packaging and storing of counterfeit auto parts were done.
The warehouses were immediately closed down and the owners, along with the foreign workers, have been summoned to complete the required investigation procedures.
The ministry has urged consumers to lodge their complaints and observations through the toll free number 1900, or through the application of a commercial notification.
6,000 counterfeit auto parts seized, stores shut
6,000 counterfeit auto parts seized, stores shut
