A latest police raid in the so called counterfeit street area of Manchester has netted over £1.2m of counterfeit items
It followed intelligence suggesting the property – a large distribution warehouse – was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance – including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: “The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it’s big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
“This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
“Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: “The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good.”
