Brussels, 10/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has published the latest Customs statistics showing that counterfeiting and piracy continue to be a growing threat in Europe. In 2005, EU customs seized more than 75 million counterfeit and pirated goods, foodstuffs, medicines and other goods, announced EU Taxation and Customs Commissioner László Kovács on Friday. The number of customs cases relating to fake goods increased to more than 26,000 in 2005. Some 32 million cigarettes were seized (43% of the seizures), 11 million clothing items (15%) and 10 million CDs and DVDs (13%). More than 5 million counterfeit foodstuff, drinks and alcohol products were seized (7%) and more than 500,000 counterfeit medicines. Goods that can seriously damage the health of consumers continue to be faked in large quantities. At a press conference, Kovacs said there had been changes in the routes of fraud, an increased range of products being copied and the use of the internet in selling counterfeit goods that made the work of customs officials even more challenging. (eh)