Deadly Fake Perfume and Cosmetics Raided in Manchester
Fake perfume might look like the real deal, but lab tests reveal a toxic nightmare. Some counterfeit scents seized by the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) contained poisonous chemicals like cyanide—and, shockingly, even human urine.
Toxic Beauty Products Putting Shoppers at Risk
It’s not just perfumes. Fake cosmetics—eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss, foundation—have been found to carry harmful chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. These dangerous substances can cause nasty allergic reactions including skin irritation, swelling, rashes, and burns.
“The lower price of counterfeit beauty products makes them an appealing option to shoppers in the run-up to Christmas, particularly at a time when cost-of-living pressures have increased,” said Detective Sergeant Matthew Hussey of PIPCU.
“Those behind these fake goods rake in huge profits with no regard for customers’ safety. These products are untested, unregulated and highly dangerous.”
Major Manchester Sting Nets 400 Fake Perfume Bottles and More
On 13 December 2022, officers swooped on two commercial premises in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, seizing seven tonnes of counterfeit clothing, accessories, wireless earphones—and 400 fake perfume bottles.
PIPCU was backed by Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Vulcan, the North West Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (NWPIPCU), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Immigration Services, and anti-counterfeiting agency WRi.
A residential address was also raided. One man was arrested and later released under investigation.
