Hundreds of suspected perfume dupes and illicit vapes seized in Trading Standards bust
Suspected fake perfumes worth more than £20,000 if sold as legitimate have been seized on a Lancashire market.
The haul was made by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers, assisted by West Lancashire Neighbourhood Policing and Licensing Team, at Ormskirk Market on 30 April.
No less than 473 suspected dupes of perfumes selling at £28 apiece were seized at one stall. Meanwhile, 223 illicit vapes were taken from a shop in the town that was also raided.
Paul Noone, Trading Standards manager at Lancashire County Council said:
"People are often unaware that the money made from the sale of counterfeit goods funds organised crime groups and the trade in counterfeit goods can attract further criminal activity associated with organised crime groups.
"Not only does it fund organised crime but the trade affects legitimate businesses trying to make a living.
"We will not tolerate the trade of counterfeit goods in Lancashire and will take robust enforcement action to stop it."
PC Bethan Cross from Lancashire Constabulary said:
"This has been a really successful operation. Those involved in selling these illegal items show no regard for where the products have originated, what harmful chemicals they could contain or who they are being sold to. I’m pleased to see that they have been taken off the streets and are no longer at risk of getting into the hands of children.
"We have unfortunately seen cases where people have become very unwell, sometimes even hospitalised, due to the use of illegal vapes. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure they are not able to cause harm and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to tell us about them.”
Concerned residents are advised to report all counterfeit sales and intelligence to the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.