£14m of counterfeit goods seized since 2005

Detectives have seized more than £1.6 million worth of counterfeit goods in the first three months of this year, the PSNI has revealed.

This brings the total recovered since 2005 to £14 million according to the latest figures.

Fake DVDs, CDs, computer games and software worth over £500,000 was taken off illegal traders in an operation in south Armagh and during last week’s international football match between Sweden, counterfeit Northern Ireland team regalia was seized.

Detective Superintendent Essie Adair, head of the police Organised Crime Bureau, praised the work of the PSNI’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (IPCU).

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, whatever these criminals are we will find them,” DS Adair said.

“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.”

(JM/SP)