Consumers face dangers in buying counterfeit goods

IRISH consumers were warned yesterday of the dangers of buying and supporting the trade in counterfeit goods.

The chairman of the Revenue Commissioners reprimanded Irish consumers for blatantly supporting the sale of fake goods.

“I often think that the public see counterfeit goods simply as an opportunity for a bargain. That’s a narrow view. We need to underline the real dangers to health and safety for consumers involved,” said Frank Daly.

He was speaking at an awards ceremony at Dublin Castle with the World Customs Organisation.

Commenting on counterfeiting and piracy, he stressed he was particularly horrified about global figures on smuggled medications.

“I was struck forcibly by the estimates that the global market in counterfeit medicaments will grow from €27 billion in 2005 to €58bn in 2010. Considering that we have no way of knowing what these medicines might contain the consequences are frightening.”

Figures released yesterday by Revenue revealed 16,982 items of counterfeit goods valued at over €1 million were seized last year in Ireland.

Items included fake medicines, designer clothes, accessories, jewellery and watches. Crackdown operations on fake goods also resulted in seizures of DVDs, mobile phone accessories, razor blades, batteries and lighters.

Counterfeit sportswear including runners and soccer jerseys were also seized by customs officers in 2006. Many counterfeit products were on show at Dublin Castle yesterday.

Mr Daly also warned buying counterfeit goods was ultimately supporting criminals.

“Counterfeiting also has strong links to organised crime, fraud and corruption not to mention the impact on legitimate business and jobs,” he said.

“Combating it is a global challenge and Revenue will play its part, in conjunction with our international partners and our trade partners.”

Seventeen customs officers were presented with awards yesterday for their work in 2006.

One of the recipients was Brian Smyth, a manager with the drugs law enforcement division. A member of the customs drugs team, his experience has been recognised at international level. He has also been instrumental in the seizure of a number of large international drug shipments as well as counterfeit medicines.