Southend Police Seize £45k Illegal Goods Including Counterfeit Labubu Dolls

Authorities in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, seized approximately £45,000 worth of illegal goods, including counterfeit Labubu and Pop Mart dolls that failed to meet UK safety standards, as part of a crackdown on illicit trading. The operation uncovered a network of High Street retailers using vehicles and residential addresses to hide and distribute these counterfeit products along with illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes. Two vehicles used as mobile delivery units were confiscated and destroyed after evidence showed they were supplying shops and customers with illicit items. Southend City Council's Trading Standards team, working alongside Essex Police, emphasized their commitment to protecting public safety and honest businesses, with enforcement actions underway that could include fines, closure orders, or criminal prosecution. The Intellectual Property Office reported that fake toys worth over £3.5 million, predominantly Labubu dolls, have been seized at the UK border in 2025, with a large percentage failing critical safety tests. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods that pose safety risks and undermine legitimate retailers.