An ongoing operation tackling the illegal importation and sale of goods across North Northamptonshire saw the seizure of 111 packets of hand rolling tobacco, 866 packets of cigarettes and 1,042 non-compliant vapes last month.
Officers from Trading Standards, working with partners at North Northamptonshire Council licensing and Northamptonshire Police inspected four premises in Rushden following an increase in complaints and intelligence.
Products worth £24,541.60 were seized: £10,420 in vapes, £3,729.60 in hand rolling tobacco and £10,392 in illegal cigarettes.
“The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. By working closely with our partners, we can tackle organised crime head on. The sale of illegal and illicit items is extremely dangerous for our communities, with these items causing a potentially harmful impact for anyone who purchases them. We are pleased to have been able to support this operation,” said Cllr David Brackenbury, executive member for growth and regeneration at North Northamptonshire Council.
Chief Inspector Tom Thompson, from Northamptonshire Police, added: “Results like this really show the power of partnership working. People often think nothing of buying cheaper goods, particularly in the current climate, but there can be consequences for your health.
“Not only can illicit tobacco be bad for your health, it’s trade also undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other serious crimes that impact our communities. Organised gangs are involved in many different crime types, including the distribution of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes. Tackling these gangs is a priority for us and I would urge anyone with information about those involved in crime to call us on 101, report online via northants.police.uk or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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