A shop in West Yorkshire has been stripped of its alcohol licence after a raid uncovered counterfeit Labubu dolls alongside hundreds of packets of illicit tobacco, in a case authorities say highlights the growing scale of counterfeit goods entering the UK.
Officers from Trading Standards and police raided Keighley Pound Plus on Cavendish Street in December, discovering hidden compartments packed with illegal cigarettes and other prohibited products. Bradford Council’s licensing panel later voted to revoke the shop’s alcohol licence after hearing evidence of what police described as “sustained criminal activity” linked to the premises.
During the operation, officers found drawers filled with counterfeit cigarettes concealed behind pet food displays, as well as a sophisticated ceiling compartment designed to store contraband. A tobacco detection dog also identified further hidden products beneath display shelving and near the entrance to the cellar.
In total, officers seized 426 packets of illicit cigarettes, 60 packets of illegal hand-rolling tobacco, 130 oversized vapes and 149 single-use vapes that breached regulations. Among the seized items were also three counterfeit Labubu dolls – a collectible toy that has surged in popularity worldwide in recent years.
Trading Standards officer Jason Bethell warned the fake toys may pose risks to children. He told councillors that counterfeit versions can contain toxic dyes and poorly fitted parts that could present choking hazards.
“Counterfeit Labubu dolls are smuggled into the country by the container load by criminal gangs,” he said. “It might seem trivial, but they can be dangerous. They often contain toxic dyes and loose parts such as eyes or feet.”
Labubu dolls, known for their distinctive monster-like design, have become highly sought-after collectibles, with genuine versions typically selling for between £30 and £50, while limited editions can fetch hundreds of pounds. Counterfeit versions, however, are often
sold for as little as £5.
Authorities say the popularity of such toys has created a lucrative market for organised counterfeit operations, with fake products shipped globally in large quantities.
Police told the licensing panel that the Keighley premises had been used as a base for illegal tobacco sales. Officers also highlighted the level of planning behind the hidden storage areas, with Trading Standards estimating the type of concealed compartment found at the shop could cost around £5,000 to install.
The store’s licence holder did not attend the hearing but was represented by a solicitor, who urged councillors to suspend rather than revoke the licence and allow a new premises supervisor to be appointed.
However, councillors ruled that the seriousness of the offences meant the licence should be revoked in order to protect the public and support legitimate businesses.
Trading Standards said the supply of illegal tobacco and counterfeit goods harms consumers, undermines legitimate retailers and fuels wider criminal activity across the country.
