Over £20,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes seized in Haringey

Measures to curb the sale of illegal tobacco and vape products across Haringey have taken another considerable step after the seizure of over £20,000 of products following a visit to local businesses. 

Together with Trading Standards and WagTail UK, Haringey Council removed 8,740 illegal cigarettes, 1,985 non-compliant disposable vapes as well as various other products from two businesses across the borough. This totalled £22,909.

The team was accompanied with vigilant dog whose first stop was in the heart of Wood Green where she made her way around the shop as well as the adjoining business next door, which is used a stock room, and managed to find 8,140 cigarettes, 10kg of loose shisha tobacco, and nine pouches of rolling tobacco, Haringey London council reported on Wednesday (24).

In addition to this, the vigilant dog discovered 1,500 non-compliant disposable vapes. Vapes in the UK should not exceed 600 puffs; however, the shop offered its customers vapes with up to 10,000. Further inspections were carried out and Pippa detected 600 non-paid duty cigarettes as well as 485 non-compliant vapes. In addition to this, officers also identified various unprescribed medication. 

All items were seized by the officers and further investigations will take done, following these offences. The appropriate enforcement action will then be taken.

Cllr Adam Jogee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, said, “Once again, our diligent trading standard officers, along with the exceptional detection dogs from Wag Tail UK have successfully prevented attempts to sell illegal tobacco and vapes to our residents.

“Maintaining the integrity of our local markets, safeguarding the community and combating the illicit tobacco trade will play a significant role in ensuring our residents live healthier lives and fair trading is practised across the borough. We will do everything we can and ensure tough enforcement action is taken to achieve this.”