JAMAICA — Managing Director of J. Wray & Nephew, Jean-Phillipe Beyer, has said that his team would be conducting a full investigation into reports that 19 cases of counterfeit Campari valuing approximately $380,000 were seized during the weekend, the Jamaica Gleaner reported on May 16 in an article written by Carlene Davis.
The Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (C-TOC) Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, along with the St Ann’s Bay police, carried out a special operation in the St Ann’s Bay area where two men were found selling fake Campari liquor to wholesalers in the parish. They have been charged under the Trademark Act.
Beyer said that this was the first report of this nature for the Campari brand.
“As far as we know, this is an isolated incident. However, we have mobilised our team to conduct a full investigation. This is a new development and, hopefully, the authorities have cauterised it,” said Beyer.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC, in agreeing with Beyer, issued a similar warning.
“We are advising consumers and merchants to be careful when purchasing alcoholic beverages for resale and for personal consumption because these criminals don’t care about your health,” said Barrett.
“The issue of quality control is lacking, inferior or hazardous chemicals are used to make these fake goods. The sale of fake alcohol also undermines the brand and its profit base and may injure the going concern of the respective entity,” he added.
