Two separate multi-agency raids in Essex and Hartlepool have seized large volumes of illegal tobacco and vapes from persistent illicit sellers.
As reported by Essex County Council on Wednesday (Nov 12), A multi-agency operation has taken over £75,000 of illegal tobacco and vapes off high streets in Essex.
Operation Machinize, led by the National Crime Agency, was carried out with Essex Trading Standards, Essex Police, Border Force, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and Department of Work and Pensions.
Officers visited 36 shops across Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Chelmsford, Basildon and Braintree. They found illegal tobacco in over 30 locations and illicit single-use vapes in 18.
In total, Operation Machinize resulted in the seizure of 116,000 cigarettes, over 54kg of hand-rolling tobacco (worth almost £43,000), 4,300 illegal or non-compliant vapes (worth more than £32,000), £6,000 in cash and one uninsured vehicle.
Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Essex County Council, said, “This result sends a clear message to illicit tobacco and vape sellers that we will work with partners to act on intelligence and crack down on the trade.
“These products are not only illegal, they’re often unsafe and sold to children. I want to thank our Trading Standards officers and partners for their hard work. They are helping keep people safe and protect local businesses.”
Elsewhere in Hartlepool, Trading Standards officers have seized almost 9,000 illegal cigarettes and over 6kg of hand-rolling tobacco in an operation with partner agencies.
They took part in Operation Beagle with Cleveland Police and immigration officials to target retail premises which persistently sell illicit tobacco products to the public.
Councillor Owen Riddle, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said, “This seizure has dealt a real body blow to the criminal enterprises dealing in illegal tobacco products.
“It is fantastic news, and I would like to congratulate our Trading Standards Team and partners on their continued hard work and determination to clampdown on this issue.
“Illicit tobacco products are a huge problem in that they pose a serious threat to public health and also adversely affect the local economy by undermining legitimate businesses.”
The bulk of the tobacco was found stashed in a vehicle parked in an alleyway close to one shop. At another shop, a detection dog sniffed out contraband hidden in a variety of places.
Following the seizures, investigations are on-going.