PEOPLE are being warned of the dangers of cheap and potentially ‘toxic’ vodka following the discovery of an illegal booze factory in Widnes.

Trading Standards North West warn the fake alcohol can cause blindness and poses a serious health risk.

Crates of 130,000 litres of fake vodka worth around £1.7 million in unpaid duty were found in bulk containers at an industrial unit.

Counterfeit vodka labels and bottle tops for Number 1 Imperial Vodka were also seized after a raid by police and custom officers on Friday, July 31.

It is not clear how many bottles have been sold.

Deana Perchard, principal trading standards officer at Halton Council and Trading Standards North West, said: "Fake vodka can contain high levels of methanol which can cause blindness and drinking it is a serious health risk.

"If you are offered extremely cheap vodka it will probably be illegal.

"Other signs to look out for include spelling mistakes on labels, a strange smell of varnish and bottles not filled to the same levels.”

No arrests have been made and an investigation is under way.

Halton Council officers have visited more than 40 licensed premises across Runcorn and Widnes but not found and of this vodka on sale.

Alerts have been sent to neighbouring local authorities.
If anyone finds the product on sale in a bar, club, supermarket or shop or is offered it for sale they are urged to contact Trading Standards on 03454 040506.