Global crime gangs behind surge in counterfeiting, customs says; fake pharmaceuticals laced with rat poison

 

Well-organised criminal gangs looking for lucrative new markets are behind a surge in “dangerous” counterfeit goods arriving in Australia, Customs says. And the agency has warned it is not just sunglasses, luxury handbags and DVDs being counterfeited. In a worrying trend, gangs are branching out into pharmaceuticals and auto and aviation spare parts and the number of fakes will only increase. Customs NSW regional commander Tim Fitzgerald says that poses major risks for consumer safety. “It’s particularly dangerous at the moment with the personal goods,” he told 7.30.