A UK record-breaking haul of fake goods from around Cheetham Hill’s notorious ‘counterfeit street’ area has been seized by police.
As part of what is Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) ongoing ‘Operation Vulcan’ – which is a mission to crackdown on the sale of counterfeit and hit the finances of the gangs operating out of the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas of Manchester – officers set out on what was the UK’s largest police operation to tackle the counterfeit trade earlier this week.
And it turns out it wasn’t just the largest in terms of the police operation itself, as it was also record-breaking in the amount of goods seized.
It comes after search warrants were obtained following what GMP called a “covert operation” and thanks to “intelligence from the community and partners” – with a combination of over 100 police officers and multiple agencies working together to tackle their “largest job to date” and raid 207 shipping containers.
#OpVulcan | Latest counterfeit seizure in Cheetham Hill breaks UK record and ranks amongst largest globally.
Police have seized over 580 tonnes of counterfeit items, a record haul which will have cost the criminals a staggering £870 million.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 3, 2023
“Monumental quantities” of counterfeit clothes, drugs, illicit tobacco, Nitrous Oxide canisters, and counterfeit vapes from a storage unit to tackle their largest job to date, raiding 207 shipping containers. tucked away on the outskirts of Cheetham Hill were seized, GMP confirmed.
Over 580 tonnes of counterfeit items were seized, which equated to a record-breaking £870 million.
Not only was this the largest seizure of counterfeit goods in UK history, but GMP says it’s believed to be one of the largest single seizures worldwide too.
An “intensive investigation” is now confirmed to be underway by police to “trace where the items originated” and to “ensure those involved are arrested”.
Police seize record-breaking £870m worth of counterfeit goods in latest Cheetham Hill raids / Credit: GMP
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed this was the police force’s “largest raid to date”.
Detective Inspector Christian Julien, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers, also said this latest seizure elevates GMP “onto the global stage”, and places the force in the top three worldwide for a single seizure of counterfeit items.
“I hope that our work so far has shown the true scale of the counterfeit trade in the UK, the majority of which was on our doorstep here in Manchester,” DI Julien added.
“It’s important to recognise the serious impact of sophisticated and large-scale counterfeit operations like this, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public of its links to serious organised crime.
“It isn’t a bargain so please be under no illusions – this type of crime is not victimless.”
It was believed to be one of the largest single seizures of worldwide / Credit: GMP
He added that criminals are making “vast amounts of money” from the trade, which is being “funnelled into fuelling further criminality, exploitation, and misery”.
DI Julien went on to thank all officers from across GMO and partner agencies who came out to support the operation for “diligently contributing” to the gathering of intelligence, and the execution of the raids – adding that Operation Vulcan is a partnership effort “at its heart”.
“This may be our largest raid to date,” DI Julien went on the conclude.
“But we must continue to build on these efforts to identify the criminal networks behind this activity whose only concern is making a profit, no matter what the cost is to the public.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16
Emily Sergeant
The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.
So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.
The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.
The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic
Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.
Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.
The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.
Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.
The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)
News
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Emily Sergeant -
4th July 2023 
