The work Portsmouth Trading Standards does to fight the illegal trade of fake goods has earned it a prestigious national award.
The small City Council team has seized tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of fake tobacco products in single inspections, removing fake and unsafe cigarettes, tobacco and vapes from criminal operations.
This work saw Portsmouth crowned Team Commendation Winners at the acclaimed ACG Enforcement Awards 2025, which recognises excellence in preventing criminals selling counterfeit goods across the UK.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport, said: “Huge congratulations goes to our Trading Standards team on this really significant award. They came up against much larger enforcement teams but won because of their diligence, dedication and skill.
“While the sale of fake, cheap goods might sound harmless, the truth is these products are unregulated and unsafe for consumers. Behind the scenes there are often large, criminal gangs who target people of all ages, including children.
“Thanks to our Trading Standards team, criminal activity is being disrupted across the city and the perpetrators are being held to account.
“The criminal sale of fake goods is growing nationwide, so we urge people to carefully consider what they’re buying, who is profiting, and the human cost of producing cheap items.”
Unannounced inspections of sellers across Portsmouth continues to result in large fines and convictions. The latest saw the owners of Fratton Food Store ordered to pay over £27,000 or face jail for the supply of 45,000 fake cigarettes.
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