PSNI seize fake goods worth €2.3m

More than £1.6m (€2.3m) worth of counterfeit goods have been seized by police in the North in the first three months of this year.

It brings to £14m (€20.7m) the total recovered since 2005, according to new figures.

Fake DVDs, CDs, computer games and software worth more than £500,000 (€740,000) were taken off illegal traders and criminal gangs in south Armagh and during last week’s international soccer match against Sweden in Belfast counterfeit Northern Ireland team regalia, including hats, scarves and tops were seized.

Detective Superintendent Essie Adair, head of the PSNI’s organised crime bureau, said the seizures were due to the work and dedication shown by officers throughout the North.

He said: “This is proof that there is nowhere in Northern Ireland criminal gangs can operate without looking over their shoulder, just waiting for us to catch up with them.

“From Belfast to South Armagh to Londonderry or Ballymena, wherever these criminals are we will find them. These fake goods make quick profits for criminals but end up causing damage to legitimate businesses and potential harm to customers who think they’re getting a bargain.”