Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle has warned consumers against buying cheap counterfeit tobacco and alcohol – because it may impact on their health.
The South Wales East AM was speaking in the wake of a Freedom of Information request by Plaid Cymru which revealed details of tens of thousands of pounds in counterfeit/illicit seizures being made by trading standards officers across Wales. This is on top of seizures by Border Agency and police.
Lindsay Whittle, who represents South Wales East, said: “While some of this counterfeit alcohol and tobacco can be very cheap compared to the real thing, people don’t know what they are buying and it might lead to health problems.
“For instance, when Conwy Council tested some alcohol they described the finding as “industrial”. Some vodka tested in south Wales contained iso-propanol, which is a colourless and flammable chemical compound, which has been in the past used as a solvent for coatings or for industrial processes.
“In addition, the sale of counterfeit tobacco and alcohol can have a serious impact on the viability of bona fide businesses which follow the rules.”
Lindsay Whittle praised the work of the trading standards departments and urged them to continue their great work to protect the public.
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