Operation Vulcan morning warrant disrupts chain of counterfeit goods shops

Operation Vulcan disrupted a counterfeit operation on Lampson Street yesterday morning (3 August 2023), cutting the doors off three connecting shops and emptying them of £507K worth of counterfeit goods.

It’s thought these shops had been shuttered for some time – with the owners believed to be lying in wait, hoping police activity would eventually disappear so they could start up again.

Sergeant Dan Cullum of Operation Vulcan said: “Operation Vulcan is following a strategy of clear, hold, build and over the past 9 months we’ve shut down the vast majority of counterfeit shops operating out of Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.

“We’re nearing the end of the clear stage however this does not signal the end for Operation Vulcan. We are determined to uncover any remaining counterfeit shops – including finding those that might have put trading on hold and tried to pass unnoticed during our relentless raiding.

“The link between the counterfeit trade and serious organised crime in has been proven and that’s why, as we move into the hold stage, Operation Vulcan officers will remain in place - making it impossible for criminals to find a foothold in the area again and creating a safer environment for the local community.”