Rochdale Trading Standards win national award after £16 million fake goods seizure

Thursday, 4 December 2025 12:58

By David Murphy

Rochdale’s Trading Standards team has been honoured with a national award for its leading role in protecting families from counterfeit goods and illegal drugs.

The team received the Chartered Trading Standards Institute Hero Award in Parliament, after seizing more than £16 million in dangerous and fake items over the past year.

The haul included counterfeit cosmetics, unlicensed medicines, and Class C drugs, as well as thousands of fake “Labubu” dolls, one of this year’s most sought-after children’s toys. The dolls were found to have small detachable parts, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Working with police forces across the UK, Rochdale officers intercepted more than 94,000 items before they could reach shops, markets or online platforms. The goods were linked to organised criminal networks operating in multiple regions.

Paul Waugh MP presented the award to trading standards officers Darren and Dennis, along with apprentice Ollie, during a ceremony at Westminster. He praised their national impact and detailed enforcement work.

“Rochdale’s Trading Standards officers have protected families across the country,” Mr Waugh said. “Stopping dangerous fake Labubu dolls alone could prevent serious injuries this Christmas. Their wider work breaking up criminal supply chains is exceptional. They fully deserve this recognition.”

This is the third time Rochdale’s team has won a CTSI Hero Award. Previous accolades have recognised their enforcement on illegal vapes, and their early work uncovering ghost number plates.

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