Dog skin boots and urine perfume among seized fake goods

A summit in Edinburgh is warning shoppers of the dangers and impact of buying fakes

Dog skin boots and perfume containing urine were among a range of fake goods seized by Police Scotland.

The force has urged bargain hunters to refuse to buy illicit food, alcohol, fashion, medicines and beauty goods, which could contain hidden dangers.

Make-up laced with paint stripper was another product highlighted at a summit being held in Edinburgh on counterfeit goods and criminal gangs.

The event includes speakers from Interpol and US Homeland Security.

'Potentially deadly'

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Buying counterfeit goods might be seen as a victimless way to get presents for family and friends on the cheap, but many of these items will have a long back story of criminality, often involving violence.

"However, the problem doesn't just lie with fake bags, perfume or alcohol.

"There is a serious global problem in counterfeit medicines, machinery and engine parts which can be seriously damaging to people's health and potentially deadly."

Mandy Haeburn-Little, director of summit organiser the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, said: "Everyone loves a bargain. But people need to stop to think about the true cost of fake goods. Can you be confident that those cheap cigarettes, perfumes and alcohol are actually safe?

"However, it goes much deeper as those products are likely to have supported child labour or human trafficking or used to fund serious organised crime.

"Illicit trade also hurts businesses in Scotland very hard. People choosing bargains at markets, car boot sales or on the internet impacts hugely on retailers and manufacturers - less genuine goods being sold closes businesses and puts people out of work."