London raids net counterfeit wine
Trading Standards officers in the London Borough of Hillingdon have seized large amounts of counterfeit alcohol from local businesses in a four-day operation.
A joint operation with HM Revenue & Customs and the police brought a haul of 1,000 bottles of counterfeit wine and tobacco at 13 premises.
In addition, wine and tobacco on which duty appears not to have been paid was seized at 15 premises.
Hillingdon Council said it was looking to prosecute where appropriate and would be calling for licence reviews for offending shops.
Councillor John Bianco, cabinet member for finance, property and business services, said: “This sends out a strong and clear message to retailers and individuals that selling or supplying counterfeit alcohol or cigarettes is not acceptable.
“Our trading standards team may be just around the corner and you risk losing all your goods and could face prosecution.”
The total operation saw officers visit 28 premises, mainly small off-licences and grocery shops.
