The number of counterfeit items seized by customs officers in Ireland, more than doubled between 2010 and 2011.

Irish customs officers seized 150 thousand fake items in 2011, up from 67 thousand in 2010.

The European Commission says 36% of the postal packages detained in 2011 concerned medicines.

China continues to be the main source for fake goods.

However Turkey was the main source for foodstuffs, Panama for alcoholic drinks and Hong Kong for mobile phones.

In terms off all the fake good seized, around 90% were either destroyed or a court case initiated to determine infringement.