An internationally-linked syndicate specialising in imitation goods, namely designer watches, was smashed after authorities raided a house used for assembling and distributing the merchandise in Penang.

Following a tip-off, a nine-member team from the state Domestic Trade and Consumer Department raided the house in Taman Rambai, Paya Terubong, on Monday and detained two men.

The team, led by operations chief Norashikin Abdul Hamid, also seized RM150,000 worth of goods ranging from denim clothing to liquor.

A total of 781 imitation watches were seized. This included brand names such as Rolex, Christian Dior, Dunhill, Omega, Rado and others.

It is learnt that the watches are sold between RM500 and RM1,000 per piece, especially along the tourist belt between Gurney Drive and Teluk Bahang.

Others items seized were 16 bottles of imitation Chivas Regal whisky, 58 Free-Talking walkie-talkie sets, 14 Blueberry denim pants, six Dunhill lighters and 11 boxes of watch components.

Biggest haul

Department director Fahmi Kasim described this as the department's biggest haul of imitation goods for this year.

The suspects, aged 31 and 36, were later released after being interrogated. The duo, one of whom is believed to be the syndicate's leader, will be charged under the Trade Description Act 1972.

If found guilty, they can face a maximum RM100,000 fine, three years jail or both.

The syndicate is suspected of importing the watch components from Taiwan and other neighbouring countries before assembling and distributing them here.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate has been operating from the house since January.

"The syndicate undoubtedly has international links and was the major supplier of imitation goods in Penang," said Fahmi ( pix ).

The department has declared war on imitation products this year and is consistently carrying out raids and surveillance to stem the menace.

Over the past few years, the department has seized nearly RM500,000 worth of imitation garments , leather goods and items from various places in the state.

ATHI VEERANGGAN is malaysiakini 's Penang-based stringer.