‘Potentially toxic’ fake vodka worth £1.7m seized

An illicit alcohol factory has been busted in the UK, and found to be harbouring more than 130,000 litres of “potentially toxic” bootleg vodka worth £1.7 million.

More than 130,000 litres of bootleg vodka were seized from an illegal factory in Cheshire, UK

The stash of illegal spirits was discovered in Widnes, Cheshire, during a joint operation between HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Cheshire police and Trading Standards last week after a warrant was executed.

“We carried out a warrant at a business premises under the Misuse Of Drugs Act and discovered this illegal operation on our doorstep,” said detective chief inspector Paul Beauchamp of Cheshire Police. “We are pleased that we have helped to take this dangerous counterfeit vodka off the streets and are continuing to work with our colleagues in HMRC and Trading Standards.”

Counterfeit labels and bottle tops for Number 1 Imperial Vodka Blue were also confiscated during the raid.

“As well as potentially risking the lives of people drinking the fake alcohol, this factory had the capacity to rob taxpayers of millions of pounds in unpaid duty – money which should be spent on vital public services,” said Sandra Smith, assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC.

“People buying the counterfeit vodka may have thought they were getting a bargain, but it has been distilled in unregulated conditions and may pose a serious health risk.

“We will continue to work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies such as the police and Trading Standards to tackle the issue of illicit alcohol in our communities and across the UK.

“I ask anyone with information about this dangerous illegal trade to call the Customs Hotline on 0800 595 000 and help us stamp it out.”