Illegal immigrants found in market raid

Sep 3 2008 By Steve Stratford

POLICE and immigration officers found two illegal immigrants during a raid on Tir Prince Market in Towyn.

Over recent weeks North Wales Police has been working with Conwy Trading Standards, the Immigration Service and the DVLA in a bid to rid Tir Prince Market in Towyn of traders selling counterfeit goods.

Only last week five people were arrested for trademark offences, including one mobile vehicle registration plate maker, and three vans were seized for being used in the commission of crime. Among the goods seized during the operations were thousands of counterfeit DVDs, clothing and electrical goods, but the main concern is the number of air weapons and BB guns being recovered.

As a result of recent operations at the market several of those caught have either received prison sentences or been cautioned and ordered to undertake hundreds of hours of community service for varying offences.

PC Steve Thomas said: “We have been very successful every time we have carried out an operation. Recently we arrested a woman for having 26 boxed replica BB guns and others for selling counterfeit clothing.

“Not only are people being ripped off with inferior goods but it is an offence to sell, import and distribute realistic imitation firearms, even though they may be air weapons and BB guns. Anyone caught selling them on the market is in danger of being arrested.”

Mark Brierley, principal Trading Standards officer for Conwy, went on to explain how another vehicle was stopped as it entered the market. Not only were there counterfeit trainers in the van, but two illegal immigrants were also found.

PC Thomas explained the concern is that money raised through the sale of counterfeit goods may be linked to organised crime such as people trafficking, drugs, prostitution and even terrorism.

“By working with the other agencies we are hopefully having an effect higher up the chain. We will continue to seize goods which are being sold illegally and those involved will not only loose their merchandise, but they could also loose their home if the proceeds of crime act is invoked.”

Clothing seized has been donated to charities after having all illegal trademarks removed.