People with
jobs in trading standards in Sandwell have reported success after seizing high quantities of illegal cigarettes during a raid.
Council officials confiscated more than 4,000 counterfeit items during an investigation at a shop in West Bromwich.
Pirate DVDs, 20 pouches of counterfeit tobacco and three bottles of suspected fake Bacardi were also found as part of the raid.
Thought to have been smuggled into the UK, the products are said to be worth around £2,000 in total.
Derek Rowley, cabinet minister for neighbourhood services at Sandwell Council, said: "Counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach to circumnavigating the trademark holder's security measures, but unfortunately that doesn't mean these goods are safe."
This news comes after the local authority warned community members about rogue traders offering to carry out improvements on properties.
Residents were urged to consult the Tradewell in Sandwell register to ensure workers are appropriately trained to perform such tasks.
Posted by Lucy Hallows
