The Customs and Tax Service from the Lower Silesian Customs and Tax Office in Wrocław seized counterfeit clothing from well-known luxury fashion brands during an inspection at the car exchange in Lubin. – Further activities were carried out at the market by Świebodzki Station in Wrocław, where cigarettes, e-cigarette liquid and tobacco without Polish excise-duty markings were found at the stalls – reports Agnieszka Rzeźnicka-Gniadek. – The officers were assisted by service dog Shila, a German Shepherd trained to detect tobacco products and drugs. Shila’s record includes detecting 6 tonnes of tobacco, 16 tonnes of cut tobacco and more than 48,000 packs of cigarettes.
The Lower Silesian National Revenue Administration seized 3,321 counterfeit garments, as well as 3,011 packs of cigarettes, 63 kg of tobacco products and 40 packages of e-cigarette liquid. KAS: – The liquids will undergo laboratory testing, as they may contain harmful substances.
The value of the illegal products was estimated at over PLN 91,000.
18 fines totalling over PLN 18,000
Customs and Tax Service officers issued fines to 18 people for trading in illegal tobacco products and products bearing counterfeit trademarks, as well as for irregularities related to recording sales on cash registers. Trading in counterfeit goods may result in up to 5 years’ imprisonment, while selling tobacco products may result in up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
How can you recognize counterfeit goods?
KAS advises:
- Counterfeit goods are generally offered at lower, “attractive” prices.
- The quality and finish of counterfeit goods often leave much to be desired.
- Counterfeit goods are most often offered at stalls and bazaars.
The officers emphasize:
The National Revenue Administration combats the sale of counterfeit goods. In this way, it supports honest entrepreneurs, safeguards creators’ rights and protects consumers. Counterfeit goods do not meet quality standards and may also be dangerous to health.
They add:
People who buy cigarettes of unknown origin are often unaware that organized criminal groups are behind the production and trade of illegal tobacco products, and by buying illegal tobacco products, they support the black market and illegal trade.