Fake vodka had seven times legal alcohol limit

The authorities in the UK are warning the public to be vigilant after discovering fake bottles of vodka with seven times the legal limit of alcohol, along with hazardous levels of methanol.

Police operating in Tamworth in the West Midlands discovered 20 fake bottles of Admiral brand vodka that would have placed those drinking it at risk of vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision and in blindness. The bottles were analysed by scientists at Staffordshire County Council's laboratory.

"This product was seized from a storage unit and has reached young people in Tamworth which is a real concern to us," commented Mark Sutton, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member responsible for community safety.

He warned the public to be wary when purchasing unfamiliar brands, bottles with crooked labels or spelling mistakes, different fill levels between bottles of the same brand and sediment in the contents.

"Counterfeit alcohol is extremely harmful and so we are asking anyone who spots this product to contact us," added Sutton.