A total of 109 bottles of counterfeit Glen's Vodka were found at a shop in the Nelson area as part of an operation sparked by complaints from locals about counterfeit cigarettes.

Officers found seven bottles of vodka on display at the shop. Three were genuine, but a check in the store room revealed 17 cases of counterfeit vodka, a total of 109 bottles. Samples of the vodka are currently being analysed.

Previous seizures in Lancashire of counterfeit vodka, not this brand, have been found to contain illegal additives including excessive levels of methanol, which can cause blindness or death.

Although officers are unsure of the origin of the fake vodka, similar operations in 2007 revealed counterfeit vodka was being produced in this country.

Customs officers seized non duty paid cigarettes and tobacco from two premises during the operation. No counterfeit tobacco products were found although recent fake cigarette seizures show the availability of counterfeit tobacco is a problem throughout Lancashire.

Counterfeit cigarettes may contain more dangerous chemicals and less efficient filters than real ones.

Chief Trading Standards Officer Jim Potts said: "For tho se businesses who do abide by the law it is a real concern to see that other traders making money by offering shoddy products and avoiding the usual taxes levied on honest businesses."

Trading Standards are warning consumers to be careful and if they suspect goods may be counterfeit, to contact them on 08454 04 05 06.