Suspected fake alcohol which could put drinkers in a coma or kill has been seized from two off-licences in Stonebridge and Harlesden.

Thousands of litres of suspect spirits, wine and beer and hundreds of packet of cigarettes were confiscated during a routine visit last week.

Officers from Brent Police, trading standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), discovered around 2,500 suspicious litres of beer, 250 litres of spirits, 189 litres of wine and cigarettes from the first premises in Alric Avenue, Harlesden.

During the inspection they found a link to another off-licence in Mordaunt Road, Stonebridge, where they seized more than 7,697 suspicious litres of beer and 75 litres of spirits.

All the goods are believed to be either counterfeit or non-duty paid.

Both premises have had their licences suspended pending a review by Brent Council.

Fake alcohol is produced in unlicensed distilleries or people’s homes cheaply and sold cut price to unsuspecting shoppers.

While properly produced and certified alcoholic drinks are made with ethanol, alcohol that’s safe to drink in moderation, fake booze can be produced using other cheaper types which can cause serious health issues ranging from nausea to death.

According to charity Drinkaware, which works to decrease alcohol misuse and harm in the UK, HMRC seized nearly 15 million litres of illegally produced alcohol between 2005 – 2011.

PC Sam Lewis-Evans, Brent Police’s licensing officer said: “Brent police licensing and its partners will work actively to remove dangerous products from the borough.”

For more information about how to spot fake alcohol visit drinkaware.co.uk.