In the shadow of Manchester's cranes and skyscrapers, hooky gear worth 'tens of millions' is believed to be lurking in metal storage containers. Seven months since launching Operation Vulcan, Greater Manchester Police has blitzed Strangeways' infamous counterfeit trade.
From 206 known dodgy shops in the area around Bury New Road and Great Ducie Street commonly known as 'counterfeit street', police believe there to be just one or two remaining. An incredible 414 tonnes of counterfeit goods has been seized in that time, worth £62 million to the criminals involved, while 1.3 million tablets of illicit prescription medication have been recovered.
The team involved believe the notorious area has become 'unrecognisable', with legitimate businesses now keen to move in. But they know the illegal trade is not confined to the handful of streets overlooked by HMP Manchester's watchtower.
