A huge haul of fake designer goods and illegal disposable vapes have been seized from a shop in West Bromwich by Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards team.

Around £200,000 worth of suspected counterfeit goods – including fake Apple AirPods and watches, counterfeit Rolex watches and fake Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton items – were found when council officers carried out a joint visit with West Midlands Police.

The counterfeit Apple AirPods and watches were disguised in unbranded packaging. Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and communities Councillor Syeda Khatun said:

‘‘People buying these counterfeit items may think they are getting a bargain, but it is more likely that they would risk wasting their cash as goods are often of poor quality and can be dangerous.

“The trade in pirated and fake goods supports serious crime such as drug dealing, human trafficking and prostitution. Not only that, but people who trade in counterfeit goods pay no taxes and this illegal trade puts genuine local traders who play by the rules out of business.

“As a council we want to make Sandwell a safe place for everyone. Our Trading Standards team, in conjunction with the police, is doing great work in taking dangerous and counterfeit items off our streets.”

PC Adam Lane, from West Bromwich police station, added: “We regularly support our partners in the council when they take action on potentially dangerous fake goods because there are often links to serious and organised crime that we need to investigate.

“If you know who is selling fake goods, tell the charity Crimestoppers. They will never ask your name or trace your call and you may be entitled to a cash reward. Call them on 0800 555 111.”

The sale of counterfeit goods is a serious criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.