Customs officers have seized 37,500 counterfeit goods worth $1.5 million in Sham Shui Po, including toys, stationery, handbags and appliances.

They raided 16 wholesalers and retailers suspected of selling fake goods sporting popular American and Japanese cartoon characters.

They arrested nine men and 12 women, aged 22 to 52, who have been released on bail. Genuine goods were mixed with the fakes to evade detection. Officers are tracing the source of the counterfeits.

Suspected counterfeiting activities can be reported on 2545 6182.