Police in Lancashire have seized around 1,200 suspected counterfeit items from market stalls in Ormskirk, after receiving intelligence that a vape containing THC had been sold from a shop in the town centre. The detail was first reported by Lancs Live.

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabis is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

What police found

Officers carried out a series of raids last Wednesday (28 October) after the information about the vape was passed to them. Lancs Live reported that no illicit products were found at the shop that was originally reported.

The following day, several stalls on Ormskirk Market were also searched. Police said around 1,200 items of clothing and toys, with an estimated value of more than £30,000, were taken from three traders. The goods carried well-known brand names and logos, including Moncler, Ralph Lauren and Stone Island, and are suspected to be fake.

The reports do not say whether anyone has been arrested or charged, and no further action has been described.

Police comment

Anthony Burgess, Local Policing Inspector for West Lancashire, said police would not tolerate shops or traders selling illegal and potentially harmful products, “particularly where there is a risk of these products falling into the hands of children and young people”.

He said the operation showed the force’s commitment to acting on information from the public and working with partners “to protect consumers and support legitimate businesses”.

Inspector Burgess encouraged anyone with information about the sale of illegal vapes, counterfeit goods or other criminal activity to come forward.

How to report information

Lancashire Police said anyone with information about illegal vapes, counterfeit goods or other suspected criminality in West Lancashire can contact the force on 101 or through its website. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The operation followed a tip-off from the community, according to Lancs Live.