TRADING Standards officers who rounded up more than £30,000-worth of counterfeit goods have warned the con-men there will be even tougher crack-downs.

The Playstation CDs and video CDs were seized, along with drugs with a street value of £30,000, during a raid on a garage in Darwen last week.

Five people have been arrested on drugs charges and were released on police bail pending further inquiries. They will interviewed by police again in February.

Trading Standards officers said today they would continue to crack down on rogue traders and remove shoddy and even unsafe goods from the market place.

In the past, officers have seized videos and console games which are in fact blank, fake Bollinger champagne and perfume which causes a rash to the skin.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The ironic thing is that although the public believe they are getting a bargain, they are being ripped off. It is often the more vulnerable members of society who are tempted to buy these goods which are vastly overpriced and, at worst, harmful."

Citing the haul found in Darwen, Coun Bateson said the link between organised crime and counterfeiting was proven.

In the fight against the counterfeiters Blackburn with Darwen Trading Standards have joined forces with other departments across the North West to share intelligence and skills.

Despite this, officers still need the public's assistance if they are to catch the crooks and take strong action such as large fines or even prison sentences.

People are urged to call trading standards direct or Crimestoppers in confidence if they suspect traders of selling counterfeit goods.