Counterfeit spirits and wines which could cause serious harm to
health or even death have been seized from Staffordshire shops.
Staffordshire County Council's public protection team made its
fifth seizure of counterfeit alcohol at off-licences in the north
of the county today. All seizures have taken place over the last
two months. Hundreds of bottles of counterfeit sprits and wine are
now in possession of the public protection team.
The fake spirits have been tested in the county council's own
scientific services laboratories - used to test a range of consumer
items brought in nationally and internationally for safety and
authenticity.
Counterfeit alcohol sales are a growing problem nationally.
Anyone who drinks counterfeit spirits risks serious health problems
or even death due to potential toxic chemical and unregulated
alcohol content.
Retailers are being warned that public protection officers will
be monitoring premises and carry out investigations where
counterfeits are found.
Public protection officers seized counterfeit bottles of Arctic
Ice vodka this week containing methanol - potentially lethal if
consumed and which can cause blindness - in addition to chloroform
and isopropanol, which are both commonly used in cleaning
products.
The team has also seized counterfeit bottles of Glen's vodka.
When tested by the county council's scientific services team, the
samples were found to have high levels of alcohol and methanol.
Counterfeit bottles of Blossom Hill wine have also been seized.
Counterfeit alcohol is produced by criminal gangs and its sale
helps to fund this and other illegal activities. Its production and
sale also harms the economy by undercutting legitimate
businesses.
Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for communities,
culture and customers Pat Corfield said: "Counterfeit alcohol is
unfortunately becoming more prominent and Staffordshire is no
exception.
"One of the county council's main priorities is protecting the
health and wellbeing of its residents and also legitimate business
and our economy.
"Consuming counterfeit alcohol can be lethal and people need to
be extra vigilant when making a purchase.
"The criminal gangs producing it are also profiting from
legitimate businesses and damaging our economy.
"People should contact our public protection team if they
suspect vodka or any other alcoholic drink may be counterfeit."