Trading standards and police teams have uncovered thousands of illegal cigarettes and non-compliant vapes in separate enforcement operations in Peterborough and Havering, highlighting growing concerns over the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
More than 31,000 illegal cigarettes and hundreds of illegal vapes have been found hidden in a shop in Peterborough.
A cross-agency teamed carried out a day-time raid on the premises in the city after receiving reports of illicit alcohol being sold in the store. Officials have refused to release details of the store’s name and location while possible legal action is taken.
The search of the premises was carried out by staff of Peterborough City Council’s trading standards and licensing teams jointly with Cambridgeshire police.
Afterwards, a council spokesperson said: “Officers seized 31,020 cigarettes, 418 non-compliant vapes and 3.05kg of hand rolling tobacco hidden within the premises.
“No illegal alcohol was found. Investigations remain ongoing.”
The spokesperson added: “Our teams are currently considering potential legal action in relation to the address concerned and for that reason further information cannot be disclosed at this time.
“Where issues of this nature arise, they are addressed robustly by our Regulatory Services teams, within the full extent of the relevant legislative framework. This case involves officers from both the Licensing Team and Trading Standards.”
Meanwhile, Havering Council’s trading standards officers seized £13,950 worth of illegal tobacco and shisha from an Upminster business recently.
In a crackdown operation known as Operation CeCe, the teams, which also included enforcement officers, Havering’s S92 Police officers and Operation CeCe funded sniffer dogs raided the business following reports that they were selling the illegal products.
The raid uncovered a significant seizure in Havering, with approximately 49kg of illicit shisha found. Investigations are currently ongoing in relation to the products seized and what further action may be taken against the business, which cannot be named at this time.
Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, said: “This is great example of the work our trading standards and enforcement teams do, working in partnership with police to keep our borough safe.
“We will not tolerate anyone or any business selling dangerous illegal goods in Havering and we will continue to crack down on those committing these crimes.”