'Dangerous' fake perfume seized in Manchester

An ongoing law enforcement operation against a notorious market for counterfeit goods in Manchester, UK, has yielded another big seizure, this time of knockoff perfume.

Around 400 bottles of fake perfumes were seized – including copies of Armani, Chanel, Boss, Creed, Jo Malone and Joy brands – that looked almost identical to the legitimate products. If genuine, they would have been worth around £60,000 ($73,000).

Previous samples analysed seized by law enforcement were found on analysis to contain potentially hazardous chemicals including cyanide as well as human urine, according to a police statement.

Fake cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss and foundation have also been found to contain toxic levels of chemicals and harmful substances such as arsenic, mercury and lead. All of these can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, swelling, rashes and burns.

The 400 perfume bottles were among seven tonnes of counterfeit clothing, accessories and wireless earphones seized by Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) officers after they raided two commercial premises in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, on December 13.