More than 500 fake Labubu dolls seized in operation

The operation targeted fake Labubu dolls, which have soared in popularity

More than 500 fake Labubu dolls have been seized by trading standards officers in Derby.

The city council said the operation - which saw more than 2,000 illicit items taken from seven city centre stores - targeted the dolls, which have soared in popularity in recent months.

The dolls were created by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, but counterfeit versions have hit the shelves across the UK.

During the operation, between 1 and 7 September, eight Labubu-style toys, 190 keyrings - including Labubu-style keyrings - and 1,511 disposable vapes - which have been illegal since 1 June - were also seized.

The council said the counterfeit dolls carried "very serious risks", including possible choking.

"Some of the items seized were missing plastic hands, eyes, and accessories, showing how easily these small parts can detach," a spokesperson added.

Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing, strategic planning and regulatory services at the council, said: "These dolls are primarily aimed at children, but each one that was seized has the potential to cause significant harm to a child, including death from choking on small parts or through suffocation from the filling.

"That's why it's so important that we get them off the shelves as soon as possible."

The authority added the penalty for selling counterfeit goods was up to 10 years' in prison and/or an unlimited fine.