Illegal cigarettes, vapes seized from Lancashire shops

Officers have seized illegal cigarettes and vapes from two shops in Lancashire following a tip-off.

Neighbourhood officers, joined by Trading Standards officials, carried out raids at a shop in Ormskirk and another one in Skelmersdale, seizing a total of 555 E-cigarettes and 311 illegal/counterfeit cigarettes.

Skelmersdale Police said Trading Standards will be dealing further with the managers of these two shops.

The inspection followed intelligence received about the two shops selling counterfeit/illegal cigarettes, as well as e-cigarettes that breach the current regulations surrounding them.

“We are aware of the huge concern around children using vapes/E-cigs and we will continue to work with Trading Standards to identify any other shops that choose to ignore the rules,” Skelmersdale Police said.