Newport is fast emerging as one of the latest battlegrounds in the fight against illicit tobacco and vape sales, after new enforcement figures revealed dozens of businesses have been caught selling illegal products, states a recent report, highlighting the surge in illicit activity since January 2026.
The recent crackdown highlights the growing challenge facing retailers and authorities as organised criminal networks continue to exploit demand for cheaper tobacco and vaping products.
According to a local media, Newport has seen a surge in illicit activity since January 2026, with 17 businesses found selling illegal vape and tobacco products.
Fourteen of those businesses have faced enforcement action, including closures and prosecutions. In 2025, Trading Standards recorded 59 seizures from 28 premises, resulting in 46 closure orders.
Confiscated goods included 320,720 cigarettes, 100.6kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and 16,413 illegal vaping devices. So far this year, officers have seized 272,740 cigarettes, 85.25kg of tobacco, and 9,694 illegal vapes.
Following an investigation carried out by the Argus a month ago, traders in the area acknowledged a rise in illegal activity on Newport’s streets.
Meanwhile, local councillors have raised concerns about the wider impact of illicit trade across the city.
Councillor Mark Spencer said: “The illicit trade of tobacco and vaping products poses a risk to our residents and the communities where this activity occurs. We will not accept it in our neighbourhoods or our city.”
Introducing a strong warning on the issue, Inspector Shaun Banfield of Gwent Police said: “The sale of illegal tobacco and illicit vaping products undermines responsible retailers, puts people’s health at risk and is often linked to wider criminality.
"By working closely with Newport City Council’s Trading Standards team we are sending a clear message that this activity will not be tolerated in our city.”