Authorities in Northern Ireland have warned of the dangers of counterfeit goods after revealing that fake goods with a value of £3.1 million (€4.6million) were seized last year.
A conference held in Belfast today by the Organised Crime Task Force to raise awareness of the challenge posed by counterfeiting attended by 150 brand security managers, lawyers, police, customs and trading standards officers was told of the dangers of counterfeit goods to health and to the economy.
Counterfeit goods ranging from cigarettes to mobile phones, were on display. Since April last year police seized goods with an estimated value of £3.1 million (€4.6 million).
Security Minister and chairman of the task force Paul Goggins said: "Counterfeiters and those who peddle fake goods consistently seek to maximise market trends and evade detection.
"They are unconcerned about consumer rights and the safety of their products. They are only interested in making money."
This can include washing powder which harms the skin, toxic perfumes and cuddly toys with sharp edges.
Paramilitary gangs have been blamed for much of the multi-million pound counterfeiting industry.
Nick Perry, from the Northern Ireland office, said: "The whole issue of organised crime has become more apparent since the paramilitary ceasefires (1994). I think it probably has grown since the ceasefire.
"Paramilitaries were always involved in it, for some time to further their paramilitary campaigns but now they are in it for paramilitary gain."