Operation Vulcan and Cheetham Hill Neighbourhood Team lift the lid on hidden ‘trap-door’ counterfeit operation in Cheetham Hill

Joint visits by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Manchester Trading Standards to premises along Bury New Road led to large seizures of vapes and the discovery - and shut down - of a shop attempting to sell counterfeit goods.

The purpose of the joint visits was to ensure that shops selling vapes in the area were compliant with regulations.

Officers conducted 10 joint visits yesterday (23 November 2023) and identified two businesses that were non-complaint with the regulations, which led to significant seizures of vape products.

Whilst carrying out these routine checks, officers also uncovered a counterfeit operation which was instantly shut down by the Cheetham Hill Neighbourhood Policing Team and Operation Vulcan.

PC Tom Wyatt of Cheetham Hill Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Yesterday we seized around £16,000 worth of vapes and £60,000 worth of other counterfeit goods including clothes, handbags and watches. We also located a shop on Bury New Road which had a trap-door on the shop floor leading into a basement where a hidden shop selling counterfeit goods was in operation.

“I would hope that by now most people have got the message that the sale of counterfeit goods is no longer welcome in Cheetham Hill. For those who might be thinking of starting up again, let this serve as a reminder that we are continuing to actively monitor the area and will instantly shut down counterfeit shops and arrest anyone involved in their operation.

“I appreciate that it’s coming up to Christmas and people will be looking for a bargain – but counterfeit goods are never a bargain. The operations are run by criminals who will often launder your money to fund more serious criminality such as drugs and serious violence. The sellers of counterfeit goods also have no regard for your safety and products may be poor quality at best and at worse dangerous.

“Unregulated vape products can also contain unknown and potentially harmful chemicals and often greatly exceed the recommended safety levels for nicotine content.  

“Please think twice before buying counterfeit this Christmas and spend your hard-earned money elsewhere.”