Fake Labubu toys and unlabelled fish products among goods seized as Trading Standards swoop on shops in Willenhall
Fake toys, illegal tobacco and potentially unsafe food items were found during routine inspections carried out by Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team.
Trading Standards officers, supported by West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, visited nine shops in Willenhall town centre on October 7.
During the operation, 960 counterfeit cigarettes were seized, with some found in a hidden underfloor compartment.
Forty fake ‘Labubu’ toys and accessories were also removed from sale.
Unlabelled food items, including meat and fish products, were also discovered and removed from the shelves.
Councillor Adam Hicken, portfolio holder for enforcement and safe communities at Walsall Council, said, “This operation shows the range of issues our officers deal with to keep our residents safe. Whether it’s counterfeit goods, unsafe food or toys, we take a zero-tolerance approach to anything that puts the public at risk.
“Our message to traders is simple, if you sell illegal or unsafe goods, we will take action.”
During the inspections, one business was instructed to install smoke alarms to bring the premises in line with fire safety regulations.
Further follow-up visits will take place to ensure all businesses are fully compliant with safety and trading regulations going forwards, Walsall Council said.
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