Strathclyde Police arrested eight men in connection with alleged criminal activity at Paddy’s Market, Glasgow yesterday (Thursday 27 November 2008).
In the early hours of yesterday morning, officers went to the homes of the men, aged between 16 and 46 years, and detained them in connection with the alleged sale and supply of drugs at the market.
The operation, which aims to impact on the antisocial behaviour and crime in the area, saw over 100 officers, including the support unit and the dog branch, working alongside the UK Border Agency, Glasgow City Council, FACT, Department of Work and Pensions and BPI (British Recorded Music Industry).
Superintendent Tom Doran, the officer in charge of the operation, said: The operation has been weeks in the planning and it has been a very successful day for everyone involved.
“It is an excellent example of how police, working together with their partner agencies, can make a significant impact on an area.”
Thousands of pounds worth of DVDs and CDs, along with clothing, all believed to be counterfeit, were seized by FACT and Trading Standards.
Officers from the UK Border Agency recovered over 101,000 contraband cigarettes and 21 kilos of tobacco.
Anne-Marie Symes, senior UKBA officer, was delighted to be involved in the operation. She said: We have made a significant impact on the illegal traders in the area today. Operations like this can only serve to benefit everyone, especially legitimate traders, in the long run.”
Superintendent Doran continued: Paddy’s Market has a long history and we know what it means to the generations of people that have been coming here, however, it has unfortunately attracted a criminal element for sometime now.
“This type of activity just cannot go on. It tars the legitimate traders with the same brush and brings undesirables to the area.
Kieron Sharp, Director General of FACT, said: “We are delighted to be working with Strathclyde Police and all the agencies involved to crack down on the illegal trade in counterfeit goods. Paddy’s Market has been a problem for a number of years with the overt sale of counterfeit DVDs and we welcome any moves to tackle this ongoing problem.”
