Shillong: Authorities have seized a large quantity of counterfeit Surf Excel detergent during a police-backed enforcement operation in Ïewduh, following a complaint by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) over trademark infringement.
Acting on specific intelligence and a consumer complaint, a team from Lex Meliora—HUL’s authorised legal partner—travelled from Kolkata to Shillong and conducted a detailed market survey in the Ïewduh locality. The investigation revealed that counterfeit Surf Excel detergent was being openly sold, with fake products closely mimicking the original brand’s packaging, labelling and overall appearance.
Officials noted that the counterfeit goods were difficult to distinguish from genuine products, posing a risk of misleading unsuspecting consumers into purchasing substandard and unauthorised items.
Based on the findings, a formal complaint under the Copyright Act was lodged at Lumbingingri Police Station.
On February 2, a joint search operation was carried out by the Lex Meliora team along with police personnel at the identified premises. During the raid, a substantial quantity of counterfeit Surf Excel detergent was recovered from a shop identified as A.K. Enterprise, located in the Ïewduh. The proprietor of the establishment was detained and taken to the police station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities have issued a public advisory urging residents to remain vigilant while purchasing Surf Excel detergent and to buy only from authorised and reputed retailers to avoid counterfeit products that may be harmful and of inferior quality.
