Authorities are intensifying efforts to stop the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes across multiple regions. A recent operation led by Trading Standards officers resulted in the seizure of more than £37,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes, and cash.
Widespread Operation Targets Illegal Sales
The five-week operation, conducted in January and February, involved officers from the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service. They were supported by Devon and Cornwall Police, as well as Avon and Somerset Police, in targeting businesses suspected of selling illegal products.
During the operation, officials visited 14 shops across several towns, including Brixham, Crediton, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Plymouth, Taunton, Teignmouth, and Wellington. To ensure thorough searches, detection dogs were used to uncover hidden stashes of illegal goods.
Most Shops Found Selling Illegal Products
Out of the 14 shops inspected, only one was found to be fully compliant with the law. The remaining 13 were selling illegal tobacco and vapes. Some of these businesses had hidden their stock in storage containers, backrooms, or concealed compartments, but the detection dogs were able to locate them.
Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, emphasized the importance of these operations.
“The removal of illegal tobacco and vapes from the marketplace is a high priority for us,” Fry stated. “We have conducted a number of intelligence-led operations over the last few weeks.”
He highlighted the effectiveness of detection dogs in these investigations.
“Regardless of where these products are hidden, whether in a storage container or a retail premises, the dogs have the ability to sniff out even small quantities of tobacco and vapes that are hidden from view.”
Impact on Local Businesses
Illegal sales of tobacco and vapes pose a significant threat to law-abiding businesses. Shops selling counterfeit or unlicensed products can offer much lower prices, putting legitimate retailers at a disadvantage. Fry pointed out that this creates unfair competition, especially during challenging economic times.
“The sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco and illegal vapes is big business,” he said. “Those shops involved can undercut other local general stores who are trying to operate legally during difficult economic conditions.”
Growing Concerns Over Illegal Vapes
Authorities have expressed growing concerns about the increasing number of illegal vapes entering the market. Many of these products do not meet safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers. Some illegal vapes contain higher levels of nicotine than legally allowed, while others may contain harmful chemicals not approved for inhalation.
Trading Standards officials have also noted an increase in underage sales linked to illegal vapes. Some shops selling unregulated vapes do not enforce age restrictions, making it easier for minors to access these products.
Future Enforcement and Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into the premises found selling illegal tobacco and vapes are ongoing. Authorities have warned that businesses caught selling illegal products could face severe penalties, including fines and potential closure. Trading Standards officers plan to continue monitoring shops suspected of selling unregulated products.
This crackdown is part of a broader effort to reduce the circulation of illegal tobacco and vapes in the UK. Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to the sale of these products.
For more updates on this developing story, visit Coleman News.
