Around 1,000 packs of suspected illegal cigarettes, large quantities of tobacco, THC vapes and cannabis have been seized during a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting organised crime in South Bristol.
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police joined Bristol City Council Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Bristol City Council's Licensing Team to carry out inspections at five premises in the Bedminster area as part of Operation Checkmate.
The enforcement activity, which took place on 11 June, forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle organised crime, anti-social behaviour and street-level drug dealing in and around East Street.
Last month, officers seized around 36,000 cigarettes from three stores in a multi-agency operation in Bristol.
Authorities said the latest operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,000 packs of suspected illegal cigarettes, kilograms of tobacco, a quantity of cannabis and a large number of THC vapes.
The action followed intelligence linking the products to wider criminal activity and concerns about illegal substances being made available to young people. Officials noted that, in a recent case, a young person required hospital treatment after using a vape containing harmful substances.
PC Harry Ring, of the Bedminster Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the operation delivered a positive outcome for the local community.
"These illicit goods are often linked to wider criminality and can pose serious risks to public health, particularly for young people," he said.
"Disrupting this activity helps keep our communities safe and protects vulnerable people from harm."
Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Fear said the operation highlighted the importance of intelligence-led policing and partnership working.
"We will continue to act decisively on information about organised criminality, pursue those involved and take robust action against anyone who seeks to profit from activities that cause harm within our communities, particularly where vulnerable young people are being put at risk," he said.
Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of Bristol City Council's Public Health and Communities Committee, warned that businesses selling illegal vapes, tobacco and other illicit goods would not be tolerated.
"These activities harm public health, reduce tax income that helps fund public services, and are often linked to wider crime and exploitation," he said.
"We will continue to work with partners to take action against those who break the rules and put residents at risk."
Enquiries into the seized products and their supply remain ongoing.