More than £1 million worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes and counterfeit goods have been taken off the streets of Manchester over the last 12 months as part of a major operation aimed at protecting communities, young people and legitimate businesses.
Operation Elswick is a coordinated, intelligence‑led response developed by Manchester City Council’s Trading Standards team and Greater Manchester Police, working alongside a range of partners to tackle the growing sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes and counterfeit products across the city.
The operation brings together GMP district intelligence team, Trading Standards, Manchester City Council and WagTail, with referrals also made to HMRC, ensuring a joined‑up approach that looks to long‑term disruption of criminal activity.
Over the last 12 months, the partnership has seized more than £1 million worth of illegal goods, including at least:
- £275,000 of illegal cigarettes – many hidden behind sophisticated hydraulic false walls, ceilings and floors
- £162,000 of illegal vapes
- £160,000 of shisha
- £97,000 of hand‑rolling tobacco
- £211,000 of other counterfeit goods
- £126,000 seized directly by Greater Manchester Police
The operation was launched after intelligence highlighted a persistent and escalating problem across City of Manchester. With partners bringing a collective array of support including enforcement options, closure powers and local neighbourhood problem‑solving, these have been combined with police intelligence to deliver this operation.
The approach has led to several shops being referred to HMRC, where they face potential fines of up to £10,000, and several premises are now subject to closure notices following repeat offending.
City of Manchester Detective Chief Inspector Chris Woodburn said: This has been an integrated operation between our City of Manchester Central District Intelligence Unit, neighbourhood policing teams from across City of Manchester and Trading Standards who have worked closely together to tackle illicit vapes and cigarettes.
“Seizures have now totalled over £1m which we know will have a massive impact on illegal operations in the area and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this.
“Our work in this area will continue as we are committed to tackling the issue of illegal vapes and cigarettes which fund wider crime and harm public health."
Councillor Basat Sheikh, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council, said: “From the outset, Operation Elswick has shown precisely what can be achieved through strong partnership working between Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police.
“We have made significant strides in disrupting criminal networks that profit from selling illicit, substandard, and potentially dangerous goods across our communities.
“Seizing over £1m worth of illegal products is a major milestone and a testament to the dedication of officers from both organisations. We will continue this relentless work to protect our residents, support legitimate local businesses, and keep Manchester safe.”