More than 100,000 litres of fake vodka worth £1.7m was discovered at an illegal factory in Widnes
Around 130,000 litres of "potentially toxic" fake vodka worth £1.7m has been discovered at an illegal alcohol factory in Widnes.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said the spirits were found during a raid at an industrial unit in Cheshire.
The vodka was discovered in bulk containers following a raid by police and customs officers on Friday.
Counterfeit labels and bottle tops for Number 1 Imperial Vodka Blue were also seized.
The £1.7m value of the vodka was calculated by how much it was worth in lost duty, HMRC said.
'Serious health risk'
Sandra Smith, of HMRC, said: "As well as potentially risking the lives of people drinking the fake alcohol, this factory had the capacity to rob taxpayers of millions of pounds in unpaid duty - money which should be spent on vital public services.
"People buying the counterfeit vodka may have thought they were getting a bargain, but it has been distilled in unregulated conditions and may pose a serious health risk."
Det Chf Insp Paul Beauchamp, of Cheshire Police, said: "We are pleased that we have helped to take this dangerous counterfeit vodka off the streets and are continuing to work with our colleagues in HMRC and trading standards."
No arrests have been made but an investigation is under way.
