Thousands of suspected counterfeit and illicit products, including more than 2,600 bottles of branded fragrances, have been seized during a major joint operation in Bury.
Bury Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police recovered a total of 3,824 items as part of an intelligence-led enforcement operation targeting suspected illegal trading.
The haul included cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, disposable vapes, electronic goods, fashion accessories and products carrying the trademarks of internationally recognised brands.
Items purporting to be associated with brands including Dyson, Rolex, Apple, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, YSL, Jo Malone and Creed were among those seized.
Officials said the suspected counterfeit goods are believed to have a street value running into many thousands of pounds, although a full valuation is still being carried out.
Some of the seized fragrances are suspected of imitating designer products which can retail for several hundred pounds per bottle.
Investigation remains ongoing
The operation forms part of Bury Council’s wider efforts to tackle businesses suspected of illegal trading and links to serious and organised crime.
The council said it was working with GMP and other enforcement partners to protect consumers while preventing businesses involved in unlawful activity from gaining an unfair advantage over legitimate traders.
Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion, said: “The overwhelming majority of businesses in Bury are honest, hardworking traders who play by the rules and make an important contribution to our local economy.
“Our message is clear: we will continue to support legitimate businesses whilst taking robust, intelligence-led action against those who seek to profit through illegal activity.”
He added that counterfeit products could pose risks to consumers, damage legitimate businesses and, in some cases, provide income for organised criminal groups.
A spokesperson for Bury Public Protection said counterfeit products frequently failed to meet required safety standards and that partnership working was essential in tackling illegal trading.
The identity and location of the business involved have not been disclosed because the investigation remains active and further enforcement action could follow.
No additional details are currently being released to avoid prejudicing the investigation or any potential future legal proceedings.
