Fake branded watches were amongst the counterfeit goods retrieved at the largest ever seizure at a UK market, which took place in Wellesbourne this weekend.
Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency teamed up to seize £2.85 million worth of fake goods from Wellesbourne Market.
Fake Rolex watches were among the haul recovered by the inter-agency operation. As well as watches, counterfeit clothing, trainers, DVDs, make up, electrical items and jewellery were removed from the sellers.
BP Abraxas head of brand protection Graham Consterdine said: “This raid has been the greatest overall single recovery of counterfeit goods of any UK market ever. I’d like to thank everyone involved for making it such a success.”
More than 20 police officers took part in the day-long operation and four men, all from Birmingham, were arrested following the raid. They were questioned and then released pending further enquiries.
Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards Janet Faulkner said: “This seizure of counterfeit goods sends out a strong warning to traders selling fakes that their activities will not be tolerated in this county. The key priority of Warwickshire Trading Standards is to support legitimate businesses and take action against those who trade unlawfully and negligently.”
