Product’s worth thousands seized in Trading Standards counterfeiting crackdown

Posted 03/05/17

In an ongoing multi-agency operation coordinated by Fife and North Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards officers, and supported by officers from Police Scotland a series of warrants were executed at retail and domestic premises in North Lanarkshire last week (Wednesday 26 May).  Officers seized an estimated £30,000 worth of goods believed to be counterfeit that were almost certainly destined to be sold to Scottish consumers. 

Two people were detained by Police in connection with the possession and supply of counterfeit goods and released after questioning. Enquiries are on-going and the seized goods will be sent for examination and a report is likely to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A person found guilty of committing an offence under the Trade Marks Act can face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.  

Dawn Adamson, Fife Trading Standards Service Manager commented, “This work follows an earlier raid in December last year in Dunfermline, Fife where an estimated £200,000 worth of counterfeit goods were seized. Goods seized include designer branded clothing, footwear, handbags, jewellery, electrical items, alcohol and tobacco”. 

“The seized items included dangerous electrical items such as counterfeit hair straighteners, that if not seized could have ended up as in the hands of children and young people. This criminal activity harms consumers, damages the economy, and threatens the livelihood of legitimate traders.” 

Paul Bannister North Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards Manager said “Trading Standards and our partners are working hard to disrupt the supply of dangerous counterfeit goods. This recent enforcement action is yet further evidence of the impact and success our hard work is having, with products worth hundreds of thousands of pounds being seized. 

“While our work is continuing to ensure consumers and legitimate businesses are protected I would also like to urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspected illicit trade to our partners at Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on: 03454 04 05 06.” 

ENDS 

Fife Media contact: Dawn Adamson, Service Manager, Trading Standards. Tel: 03451 555 555 ext. 440352. Email: [email protected]

North Lanarkshire Media Contact: Peter Fergie, Assistant Trading Standards Manager Tel: 01236 856330 Email: [email protected]

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