The number of fake GHD straightening irons in circulation has been on the increase, and it has been revealed that they were amongst over one and a half million pounds worth of fake and dangerous goods seized at East Midlands Airport.
GHD hair straightening irons have become enormously popular over recent years, and whilst they are more expensive than many other models their reputation and excellent results mean that many people are prepared to pay the price. However, some people often think that they can get a bargain when they see GHDs available at a fraction of the retail price, but unfortunately these usually turn out to be fakes that can prove dangerous or even fatal.
The problem with fake GHD straightening irons has been further highlighted recently when it was revealed that countrified straightening irons formed part of a £1.6 million haul that has been seized by officers at East Midlands Airport. The officers involved in the operation were from the UK Border Agency.
Along with many potentially dangerous fake hair straightening irons there were also other counterfeit items seized, including watches, football t-shirts, and cigarettes. The goods worth over £1.6 million were seized in the space of just four months from the start of April this year.
One official that was involved in the operation said that some of the items that were seized could prove to be very dangerous, and this included the counterfeit hair straightening iron and the counterfeit cigarettes, which officials have said are usually made with dangerous components and ingredients that could prove very dangerous and could even cause fatalities.
One official said: “Smugglers are only out to make a profit by cheating British taxpayers and undercutting honest local traders. People who are tempted to buy these cheap copies don’t realise that the profits made by smugglers are often ploughed straight back into other criminal activities such as drug smuggling. Our officers will continue to root out those criminals who attempt to smuggle goods illegally into the UK. We are disrupting this illegal trade and bringing those responsible before the courts. Many people enjoy finding a bargain but counterfeit goods which end up in markets, car boot sales and discount stores are just the tip of the criminal iceberg. Quite simply, if something appears too good to be true, it is.”
Source - Independent