Nine people have been arrested after a series of police raids targeting people selling counterfeit goods.

The raids took place on Monday this week across the Cheetham Hill area of North Manchester with officers from Greater Manchester Police in actions alongside other forces and agencies.

As well as the nine people arrested, police seized what they describes as “large quantities” of counterfeit goods, drugs and cash.

Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “This week of intensification is about so much more than the counterfeit goods trade, which Cheetham Hill and more specifically the Strangeways area is nationally known for.

“The trade, which often involves organised crime groups, is strongly linked to money laundering and immigration offences. We also know the area is a hotspot for sexual offences and traffic offences.

Bury Times:

The raids focused on the counterfeit goods trade

“Too often unbeknownst to members of the public who buy counterfeit goods, they are often produced using poor quality materials and/ or banned substances which put health at risk.

“Ourselves and our partner agencies are committed to ridding this area of criminal activity and will use all powers at our disposal.

“We will be taking proactive and robust action against this trade in Strangeways.

“Members of the public can be reassured that this is a priority for us.”

The GMP officers undertook the raids alongside North West Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, the Intellectual Property Office and other partner agencies.

Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Ferris, of the City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit said: “The low price of counterfeit goods makes them an appealing prospect to consumers, but the money spent on them often ends up lining the pockets of criminals.

“This week’s activity should send a strong message that the sale of counterfeit items will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to crack down on the counterfeit goods trade in the Strangeways area.”

Anyone with any information or concerns about the counterfeit goods trade in their area can call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.