Customs officers have arrested 19 people so far for selling counterfeit goods on an Internet auction site in an ongoing operation launched November 25.

About 100 officers have been mobilised, seizing 546 bogus handbags, wallets, jewellery, sunglasses, clothes, shoes and socks. Fourteen computers used for the online dealings have also been seized. The total seizure has so far amounted to $170,000.

The 12 women and seven men arrested are aged 18 to 48 and have been released on bail. They delivered the goods by post, rather than delivering them in person, to avoid arrest. However, the location of computers used for illicit online dealings are easily tracked down.

Auction site operators have now displayed warnings reminding sellers not to auction counterfeit goods.

The operation will continue over the Christmas and New Year holidays.