MORE than 10,000 pairs of fake Nike trainers that were destined for the streets of Hull and beyond will be destroyed.
Border Force officers in Hull seized the bogus designer sports shoes from a lorry that was arriving at the port on a ferry from Zeebrugge.
They swooped in on the vehicle and, after a brief look at the shoes, were satisfied they were counterfeit.
In total, 10,368 pairs of trainers were taken and will now be destroyed.
Kevin Parsons, assistant director for Border Force, said: "A team from Border Force inspected the load and it soon became clear the Nike-branded trainers were of inferior quality.
"Further checks with Nike confirmed they were counterfeit goods.
"Counterfeit goods cause damage to legitimate businesses and traders and they leave customers out of pocket with inferior and possibly dangerous goods.
"Border Force will continue to play a key role in fighting and disrupting serious and organised crime and protecting the UK's economy."
The seizure was made on Saturday, July 19, by officers who are key to detecting illegal immigration, disrupting serious and organised crime and helping to prevent the threat of terrorism.
Officers had suspicions over the load before it landed and, when they found the fake goods, contacted Hull City Council's Trading Standards immediately.
Chris Wilson, Hull Trading Standards manager, warned people in the city to be on their guard in future because often, the fakes are made to a high standard and sold on at almost retail price.
He said: "Some of these trainers are produced, clearly to deceive the public into thinking they are genuine.
"Generally speaking, when they are being sold at premises, they are being sold almost at genuine price so consumers are fooled by them.
"These shoes can end up in shops but often, they end up on markets and that is what the public should be looking out for."
Counterfeit items bought over the internet – often by unsuspecting buyers – and imported through the postal system can be seized, leaving the buyer out of pocket.
It is not known if the trainers would have stayed in Hull, as it is often used as a port but then goods are taken elsewhere.
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call 0800 595000.
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