The huge metal containers where counterfeit goods 'worth MILLIONS' are being kept

In the shadow of Manchester's cranes and skyscrapers, hooky gear worth 'tens of millions' is believed to be lurking in metal storage containers. Seven months since launching Operation Vulcan, Greater Manchester Police has blitzed Strangeways' infamous counterfeit trade.

From 206 known dodgy shops in the area around Bury New Road and Great Ducie Street commonly known as 'counterfeit street', police believe there to be just one or two remaining. An incredible 414 tonnes of counterfeit goods has been seized in that time, worth £62 million to the criminals involved, while 1.3 million tablets of illicit prescription medication have been recovered.

The team involved believe the notorious area has become 'unrecognisable', with legitimate businesses now keen to move in. But they know the illegal trade is not confined to the handful of streets overlooked by HMP Manchester's watchtower.

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"We've closed down the vast majority of the counterfeit stores on Bury New Road," said Detective Chief Inspector Jen Kelly, who is leading Operation Vulcan alongside Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood. "Now we're tackling the upstream - the supply, the storage - just to show these criminals that wherever they go, we will follow them."

Since 7am yesterday (June 20), GMP has been on site at a self storage compound on Honey Street, off Redbank in Cheetham Hill. The compound has 137 vivid blue metal containers stood side-by-side.

The Vulcan team will be searching every container for illegal goods linked to the counterfeit trade and drug supply. At least 50 tonnes of items were seized on their first day at the site, with at least 50% of the containers searched containing