Traders and individuals attempting to sell counterfeit goods over the internet or through local supply chains could face legal action and substantial penalties, warns Powys County Council.

The warning from the council's Trading Standards Service follows the successful prosecution of two men at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for supplying counterfeit make-up - some of which contained dangerous levels of lead.

During the investigation trading standards officers searched a property in Darren View, Crickhowell, registered to one of the defendants, where they seized a laptop and documentation.

James Jones, 32, of Penyard, Merthyr Tydfil, was given a 16-week suspended prison sentence and 200 hours community services after previously pleading guilty at Brecon Law Courts to three charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and one under the Product Safety Regulations for selling counterfeit make-up with safety breaches and one charge under the Fraud Act 2006 for running a fraudulent business.

He was also ordered to pay investigation costs of £1,500.

David Foster, 25, of the same address, was given 120 hours of community service and ordered to pay investigation costs of £2,500 after pleading guilty to two charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and for running a fraudulent business under the Fraud Act 2006.

A forfeiture order was also made for approximately 150 counterfeit cosmetic products found at the premises of Mr Jones.

The court heard details of an internet investigation conducted by Powys trading standard officers which included test purchases of products from an online auction website.

Clive Jones, the council's Principal Trading Standards Officer with responsibility for special investigations, said: "Firm action is needed on any issues related to product counterfeiting and safety to promote fair trading within our community.

"We have noticed that there's a tendency for some people to be tempted to import large quantities of products from wholesale auction sites in the Far East and our investigations have highlighted that some of these supply chains involve counterfeit goods."

He added: "Our surveillance on illegal activity involving counterfeiting is increasing and we ask users of auction sites or any person offered suspected counterfeit goods to be vigilant and to warn us of any suspicious sellers – or to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."