Fake DVDs are daylight robbery - Organised Crime
Drugs
South Tyneside / Northumbria
In 2005, a multi-agency operation involving FACT, South Tyneside Trading Standards and Northumbria Police disrupted and put an end to a group of people operating in a well-known local market. Fronted as selling second hand goods, the stall was actually being used to sell fake DVDs and music as well as fake and duty free cigarettes. Police seized computers and fake DVDs along with fake cigarettes. A quantity of illegal drugs was found in the possession of one of the market traders and in one of vehicles. The investigation also uncovered a large quantity of paperwork relating to sales of fake product over the internet. Investigators traced the fake DVD master copies back to the Far East.
Manchester
February 2007 saw a joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police and FACT led to the seizure of over 4,000 counterfeit DVDs. Greater Manchester Police had initially entered the property on a drugs search warrant and discovered the DVDs along with audio CDs and console games discs. The entire product was seized along with 2 computers and a burning tower. The Police further discovered quantities of cocaine and cannabis in the property and three family members were arrested.