Poisonous jewellery worth £2m seized in raid (From Wandsworth Guardian)
Contact us: Got a photo? Text SLPICS to 80360, click to upload your story or call
020 8722 6341
Poisonous jewellery worth £2m seized in Battersea raid
10:53am Friday 28th January 2011 in News By Ian Mason
Poisonous jewellery worth £2m seized in raid
Fake designer jewellery worth £2m and which could give wearers nickel poisoning has been seized during a raid in Battersea.
Following the huge haul, Trading Standards officers today issued an urgent warning to shoppers who think they may have recently bought counterfeit goods.
The potential health scare emerged this week when Trading Standards investigators discovered high levels of nickel in fake jewellery and cufflinks confiscated as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale and manufacture of pirate goods.
The hazardous items were recovered as part of a haul of jewellery that was seized during a raid on a private address and a storage unit in Battersea. Fake designer jewellery, handbags, watches and sunglasses with a street value of about £2m was confiscated.
According to Trading Standards officers, the goods were being sold at markets and car boot sales in Wandsworth as well as on the internet and from stalls in shopping centres across the south east.
The counterfeit labels included Dior, Bulgari, Tiffany, Links of London, Cartier, Mont Blanc, Ray Ban, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Patek Phillipe, Rolex, Gucci, Pandora and Swarovski.
A lot of the jewellery bore false hallmarks and tests commissioned indicated it was gold or silver plated brass. One man is currently on police bail while the investigation continues.
The council’s consumer protection spokeswoman, Councillor Sarah McDermott, said: “We are advising people who may have recently purchased cut-price designer jewellery or cufflinks to be aware that it could pose a health risk.
“If you think you may have bought some of these items at a car boot sale or a street market for example, then it is extremely important that you look out for any of the symptoms associated with nickel poisoning.
“If you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms then you should seek immediate medical advice.”
Nickel poisoning can cause cancer and in extreme cases can be fatal. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, coughing and shortness of breath.
