UK police warn of counterfeit Kommissar vodka

UK police have warned about counterfeit Kommissar vodka that reportedly made a consumer violently ill.

A shop in Preston sold the bootleg vodka to a person who later became unwell. Authorities believe the reaction was caused by the industrial alcohol used to manufacture the counterfeit Kommissar.

Preston police inspector Andrew Proctor said: "Drinking bootleg alcohol can be very dangerous as it is extremely strong and can include ingredients not at all intended for human consumption."

Local trading standards joined with the police to warn consumers about the threat posed by the fake vodka. The warning is the latest in a series of incidents caused by the rising prevalence of counterfeit spirits in the UK.

Last year three-quarters of UK regional trading standards bodies reported finding fake alcohol and a backlash is now beginning. In Staffordshire the council is giving ultraviolet lights to 334 independent retailers to help them identify bottles that lack an authentic duty mark.