Two suspects were arrested on Aug 6 for importing and possessing about 16,000 counterfeit perfumes and cosmetic products worth more than $800,000, the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Customs said in a statement yesterday.

On July 25, Singapore Customs inspected a consignment of more than 200 perfumes and cosmetic products believed to be counterfeits, and subsequently referred the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

CID officers seized the counterfeit goods and nabbed two women, aged 21 and 23, during a 19-hour operation that included raids in Tampines North Drive and Sunview Road.

According to the authorities, the suspects were planning to sell the goods, which bear falsely applied trademarks, on online platforms.

"The authorities take a serious view on intellectual property right (IPR) infringements and will not hesitate to take action against perpetrators who show blatant disregard for Singapore's IPR laws," Singapore Customs and the police said.

Those convicted of importing, possessing or distributing goods with falsely applied trademarks for the purpose of trade may be jailed for up to five years and/or fined up to $100,000.