COUNTERFEIT goods seized by Powys County Council have been handed to a charity to be recycled or destroyed.
The latest hand over is to the Huntingdon based His Church charity, who work with Trading Standards Services across Britain turning seized counterfeit goods into humanitarian aid for those suffering from poverty in Eastern Europe and Africa.
Even in largely rural areas such as Powys, the council's Trading Standards Officers seize large quantities of fake goods found at retail premises, markets, car boots and even households. When defendants are successfully prosecuted, the goods, which include compact discs and clothing, can be disposed of securely.
The council's trading standards service have conducted a range of operations prior to Christmas with a number of suspects being arrested.
Councillor Graham Brown, board member responsible for public protection, said, "We are pleased that we can help needy causes in this way. We have found an organisation that is able to recycle these items and ensure that they are put to good use. It is pleasing that some good comes out of this important enforcement work."
Clive Jones, the council's principal trading standards officer with responsibility for special investigations said, "Counterfeiting is an increasing problem and firm action will continue to be taken against those found to be involved in such illegal operations. Operations over the last six months have meant that goods with considerable value have been seized and it is clearly not right and appropriate that we take action against these organisations. These items have been the subject of prosecution and forfeited by local courts. Anyone wishing to report someone selling counterfeit goods can report it to our service or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."