A WARNING has been issued following a large seizure of fake vodka.

More than 1,000 bottles of counterfeit Glen’s Vodka were taken out of circulation in a joint operation by Middlesbrough Trading Standards and Cleveland Police.

The swoop followed a three-week intelligence-gathering exercise after concerns were raised over the illegal trade.

One seizure resulted in 121 bottles being recovered from a car outside a house on a Middlesbrough housing estate and over a thousand bottles were seized from a wholesaler on a Middlesbrough industrial estate who was not licensed to sell alcohol.

The bottles were suspected to be counterfeit, and tests carried out on them showed that they contained industrial grade alcohol.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “The risks posed by alcohol are well known, but these are vastly increased when spirits like this are produced illegally and without the proper controls in place.

“Those buying it may think they are getting a bargain, but they have no idea what they buying. Drinking counterfeit alcohol can be extremely dangerous and result in serious illness and worse.

“I would urge anyone who has suspicions about any alcohol offered for sale to contact trading standards or the police immediately.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit goods should contact Middlesbrough Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454-040506 or visit www.facebook.com/middlesbrough.tradingstandards