In a sweeping series of enforcement actions, police and Trading Standards teams seized over thousands of pounds worth of illicit tobacco and vape products across multiple locations across the country.
Rossendale Police, in collaboration with partner agencies, seized about £62,000 worth of illicit tobacco products during a recent police day of action.
Rossendale Police, in collaboration with partner agencies, conducted a successful day of action on Wednesday (May 14) to address concerns raised by the local community.
As part of the initiative, the Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined by Trading Standards for two enforcement visits to local shops.
At the first location in Haslingden, 3,200 illicit tobacco products including cigarettes and vapes, were seized, with an estimated value of approximately £54,000.
A second visit in Waterfoot led to the seizure of around 700 illegal cigarettes and vapes, valued at approximately £8,000.
Local Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Marsden said, “It’s great that we have been able to remove a quantity of illegal tobacco products from the streets of Haslingden and Waterfoot.
“We will continue to actively work with our partner agencies to tackle the issues and concerns of our communities and this day of action is just one example of the work we do day-in-day-out.
“We encourage the community to continue to report their concerns so that the appropriate agency can take effective action.”
Elsewhere in Coventry, West Midland Police also reported a massive seizure of illicit tobacco products from local businesses.
Officers from its North East neighbourhood team joined forces with Trading Standards for an operation on Monday (May 12).
While visiting a shop in Foleshill Road, a man ran away from officers but was stopped and searched. The team then searched a nearby van which was full of illegal vapes, counterfeit tobacco and prescription drugs worth around £10,000.
The police states, "Our enquiries are continuing alongside Trading Standards. Our teams across Coventry carry out daily patrols and operations aimed at keeping you safe."
Meanwhile in Hastings, a shop owner has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to nine offences relating to illegal tobacco and underage vape and alcohol sales.
Lhon Karimi, 29, of Devonshire Road, was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, said a spokesperson.
He was also fined £230 and ordered to pay £500 costs at Hastings Magistrates Court.
According to East Sussex Trading Standards spokesperson, the offences, which took place in 2023 and 2024, concerned illegal tobacco and cigarettes offered for sale, as well as underage alcohol and vape sales at Karimi’s shop, Delboys on Castle Street in Hastings.
“East Sussex Trading Standards inspected the premises in May 2023 after a child test purchaser was able to buy a can of cider from the store. Counterfeit cigarettes and cigarettes and tobacco in non-standardised packaging were discovered," stated the spokesperson.
“Karimi pleaded guilty to five counts of breaching the Trade Marks Act, two counts of supplying tobacco in non-standardised packaging and one count each of breaching the Licensing Act and breaching the Children and Families Act.
“At the sentencing on April 24, magistrates noted there was ‘some ignorance and naivety’ on Karimi’s part and that he pleaded guilty once he understood the offence. The court also made an order for the forfeiture and destruction of all the stock seized.”
