SWINDON Trading Standards officers are warning businesses and consumers to be on their guard against counterfeit cigarettes that have recently appeared in the town.

The warning comes after officers seized 380 fake Benson and Hedges Special Filter cigarettes on sale at an unnamed town centre outlet and fielded calls from worried consumers who complained of headaches and sickness after smoking the counterfeit tobacco.

Officers have warned traders to be on the lookout for individuals offering cut-price cigarettes, which should immediately arouse their suspicion. In some cases the product is easily identified because of basic spelling mistakes and poor quality printing on the side of the packet, but other cartons may only be identified from unauthorised batch codes.

The code FFGBMHH printed on the base of alleged Benson and Hedges cigarette packets is known to be associated with counterfeit products.

Robert Taylour, public protection group leader at Swindon Trading Standards, said: "From a business point of view competition that illegally undermines trade is unfair, while from a consumer angle something that puts smokers at risk over and above the usual risks associated with smoking is dangerous."

Consumers have noted the taste of the counterfeit cigarettes is very different from the genuine article and complained of severe headaches and sore throats.

Although there is no evidence that the fake cigarettes are being supplied through reputable wholesale sources, Swindon traders are being warned that if they get all or some of their supplies from casual callers they are likely to find themselves falling foul of the law.

"Apart from the obvious health hazards of smoking cigarettes these counterfeit products are an unknown quantity," added Mr Taylour.

"Any trader who buys or sells these products is putting the safety of customers at risk. Trading standards takes a very serious view of such action and we will do all we can to identify the source and deal with it appropriately."

Trading standards officers and Swindon police are continuing to investigate the sale of illegal tobacco in the town, but infringing the Trade Marks Act can result in penalties including an unlimited fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment.

Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "We support and reinforce the message from Trading Standards and advise people not to risk their livelihood or health."

Anyone who thinks they may have purchased counterfeit cigarettes in Swindon or has information leading to the source of supply is urged to contact Swindon Trading Standards on Swindon 466155.