Source: City of Portsmouth
The work Portsmouth Trading Standards does to fight the illegal trade of fake goods has earned a prestigious national award.
The small Portsmouth City Council team has seized tens-of-thousands-of-pounds worth of fake tobacco products in single inspections, removing fake and unsafe cigarettes, tobacco and vapes from criminal operations.
Storage units loaded with huge amounts of branded clothing and electrical goods falsely labelled as major brands were also uncovered and stopped from being sold online.
This work saw Portsmouth crowned Team Commendation Winners at the acclaimed ACG Enforcement Awards 2025, which recognises excellence in preventing criminals selling counterfeit goods across the UK.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure, and Sport, said:
“Huge congratulations goes to our Trading Standards team on this really significant award. They came up against much larger enforcement teams but won because of their diligence, dedication and skill.
“While the sale of fake, cheap goods might sound harmless, the truth is these products are unregulated and unsafe for consumers. Behind the scenes there’s often large, criminal gangs who target people of all ages, including children.
“Thanks to our Trading Standards team, criminal activity is being disrupted across the city and the perpetrators are being held to account.
“The criminal sale of fake goods is growing nation-wide, so we urge people to carefully consider what they’re buying, who is profiting, and the human cost of producing cheap items.”
Unannounced inspections of sellers across the city continues to result in large fines and convictions. The latest saw the owners of Fratton Food Store ordered to pay over £27,000 or face jail for the supply of 45,000 fake cigarettes.
People are strongly advised against purchasing anything they believe might not be genuine, either in person or online. Find tips on avoiding fakes online on ACG’s website.
If you suspect someone of selling counterfeit goods you can report it:
Email Portsmouth Trading Standards: trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk