Large amounts of counterfeit alcohol have been seized from businesses across the borough by Hillingdon Council’s trading standards team, HM Revenue Customs officials and the police.

The joint operation, carried out over four days, uncovered a haul of more than 1,100 bottles of counterfeit wine along with some tobacco at 13 of the premises visited.

Customs officers also seized a substantial quantity of non-duty paid wine and tobacco from 15 premises.

Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet member for finance, property and business services said: "This sends out a strong and clear message to retailers and individuals that selling or supplying counterfeit alcohol or cigarettes is not acceptable.

"Our trading standards team may be just around the corner and you risk losing all your goods and could face prosecution."

Inspector Nick Aldworth said: "Alcohol is a driver for various crime-types and clearly anything that is intended to circumvent the statutory controls on alcohol has the potential to fuel crime.

"The police are encouraged by these multi-agency operations that are so often more successful than individual organisations working in isolation."

Hillingdon Council is looking to prosecute businesses where appropriate, and also calling licences in for review by a licensing sub-committee.

A total of 28 premises were visited in Hillingdon, mainly small off-licenses and grocery shops.

Trading Standards Officers were looking for counterfeit alcohol and tobacco, while Customs officers were interested in non-duty paid goods.

Police officers were checking to see that licence conditions were being complied with.