As the holiday season approaches, Toronto Police are warning the public to be vigilant with their gift-giving after they seized $2.5 million in counterfeit goods.

In the investigation, Project Lucky Chan, the police executed four search warrants around the city.

The first warrant was executed at the main floor of a hotel, which happened to be hosting an international anti-counterfeiting conference, Det. Rob Whalen said in a news conference, Friday morning.

The hotel seizure then led investigators to three stores: Lucky’s Imports and Wholesale on The Queensway; Beach GLO in The Beaches, and Jazz Casuals clothing store in North York, where 16 truckloads of products were located.

“As a result of this seizure, which we believe is around $2.5 million — if the product was real — we’ve got a lot of this property off the street,” he said.

Among the goods seized are make-up products that have caused skin irritations and rashes, combustible electronics, and children’s toys that pose a health risk due to possible toxic chemicals.

Investigators said that, in their own tests, a counterfeit Magic Bullet blender caught fire after being plugged in, and a pair of earphones melted after use.

“Research your product! Try to find it from a legitimate source!” Whalen said.

Hock Chan, 46, of Mississauga has been arrested and charged with one count of possessing property obtained by crime, possessing property obtained by crime with the purpose of trafficking, fraud over $5,000 and passing of wares.

In addition, two illegal immigrants who were assisting in the sale of these products were arrested and detained by Canadian Border Services, investigators said.