FAKE medicine on sale in the city could leave people permanently disfigured, police have warned.

Experts said the knock off pharmaceuticals are laced with "toxic chemicals" which could cause serious damage.

Police today warned bargain hunters at a Glasgow shopping centre about the dangers of buying bogus medicines.

A source said: "The criminals involved in selling counterfeit drugs aren't interested in your health.

"They are only interested in your money."

It is understood medicines which treat epilepsy, asthma, cancer, anxiety, insomnia and diabetes, are among the most popular with rogue traders.

Painkillers, anti-depressants, slimming pills and fake condoms are also among the dodgy products available.

Chief Inspector Brian Gibson, from Police Scotland's National Safer Communities Unit, was at Silverburn Shopping Centre today, to speak to shoppers about the dangers of counterfeit goods.

He said: "Counterfeit goods include fake designer clothes, bags, accessories and perfumes as well as DVDs and CDs, computer games and even medicines.

"Yes, some of them look good and you may think you are getting a bargain but you are not.

"Goods can be of poor quality and in a lot of cases unsafe.

Fake cosmetics, fragrances and medicines often contain toxic chemicals that could leave you permanently disfigured or seriously damage your health."

Dodgy medicines are often sold over the internet, but face-to-face transactions can also take place.

The majority of fake medicinal products are understood to have originated from China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

CI Gibson also highlighted the link between fake goods and organised crime gangs.

He said: "You might also think that you are not harming anyone but that is not the case.

"You are helping the counterfeiter break the law and these people often use the money they make to fund drug dealing or other types of organised crime.

"You are also taking profits away from genuine local business.

"Also, if you buy fake goods online you are compromising your personal details and potentially leaving yourself vulnerable to viruses."

The Evening Times previously revealed how illegal levels of bleach, which shatter teeth, have been found in whitening kits.

Experts said some teeth whitening treatments contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can cause teeth to shatter.