£60k of fake perfume that may contain ‘harmful chemicals’ and urine seized from Counterfeit Street

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Police have issued a fresh warning after seizing around £60,000 worth of fake perfumes from Cheetham Hill’s ‘Counterfeit Street’.

It’s believed that the fragrances may contain harmful chemicals and even human urine.

Two commercial premises on the notorious shopping street were raided earlier this week, with 400 perfume bottles, seven tonnes of counterfeit clothing, accessories and wireless earphones seized.

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police, who worked with Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Vulcan and other agencies, have now warned Christmas shoppers of the risks associated with too-good-to-be-true bargain goods.

Samples previously seized have included chemicals including cyanide, and human urine.

The fake perfumes in Cheetham Hill’s Counterfeit Street. Credit: PIPCU

Similar toxic substances, plus arsenic, mercury and lead, have been found in cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss and foundation.

All of these can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation, swelling, rashes and burns.

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Detective Sergeant Matthew Hussey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), said: “The lower price of counterfeit beauty products make them an appealing option to shoppers in the run up to Christmas, particularly at a time when cost-of-living pressures have increased.

“Those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods are taking advantage of this and making huge profits in the process. These products are often untested and unregulated, showing that counterfeiters have little regard for the safety of the people who end up using them.”

One man was arrested after a residential address was also searched – he’s since been released under investigation.

Featured image: PIPCU