Suspect containers seized

Containers of liquid, suspected of being used in counterfeit vodka ,have been seized from a house in Kensington.

Officers from the city council’s Alcohol and Tobacco Unit (ATU), part of  Licensing and Regulatory Services, found 12 x 50 litre containers  in the first floor bedroom of a terraced house

The officers were responding to a request from Merseyside Police.

Early indications from sampling of the liquid in the containers indicate the presence of Ethyl Alcohol, Dimethyl Ether and Trichloro Methane. This is a highly flammable mixture and should not be stored in a domestic property.

The containers have been stored at a secure location pending analysis to determine the exact nature of the liquid but is suspected it may be used in the production of counterfeit vodka.

A 19 year old man was arrested and interviewed at a local Police Station He told the ATU officers it was “home-made Vodka.”  He has been released pending further investigation..

Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:  “This find raises concerns as trade in counterfeit alcohol damages legitimate retail trade and undermines the efforts put in by the council and our Public Health colleagues in promoting safe, sensible alcohol consumption messages. It also significantly feeds other criminal activity as the proceeds of this type of enterprise can go to funding serious crime such as drug dealing.

John McHale Head of Licensing and Regulatory Services said: “While we currently still do not know the full composition of this product it is clear that any type of spirit or liquid sold or supplied in this format should not be consumed. We would ask residents and local retailers to contact the council if this type of product is seen or sold in their area.”

Liverpool Waterfront