One of the bags containing some of the items seized in the raid

Eighteen people were questioned as part of the raid at Ingliston which involved more than 100 officers, supported by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact).

Tens of thousands of DVDs, CDs, and computer software were seized and taken to a secret location for examination.

Pirate copies of films such as Love Actually and Elf are said to be among the items taken from stalls.

Detective Inspector Gavin Barry, who was in charge of the operation, said: "We were able to target key individuals whom we believe are making massive profits dealing illegally in counterfeit goods.

"It's important we make a stand against this type of activity although some members of the public may believe it to be a relatively inoffensive crime.

"People who buy these items need to stop and think where these huge profits go.

Tens of thousands of items were seized from stalls

"The quality of these items is usually very poor and the massive illegal trade has a very detrimental impact on genuine Edinburgh retailers who can't compete with the knock-down prices."

John McGowan, senior investigator in Scotland for Fact, added: "The raid will have saved millions of pounds to the music, film and software industry.

"There is so much money to be made in this business that we regularly see traders working with total disregard for the law.

"Many of them were caught out this weekend and have lost out as a result."

A report is expected to be submitted to the procurator fiscal which could result in people being prosecuted.