Posted on Thursday 25th July 2024
Photos of some of the seized items
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council have seized illegal vapes, illicit tobacco and banned imported foods, worth over £20,000.
Officers made the discoveries during raids at two premises in Rugeley on Thursday 18 July. Over 450 Illegal and oversized vapes were found at one shop. Officers, supported by specialist search dogs, also found 14 kg of illegal tobacco, 15,400 illicit cigarettes and 196 items of illegal food. The operation was supported by Staffordshire Police, who also seized a sum of cash.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The illicit tobacco market is closely linked to organised crime and harms local communities and legitimate businesses, so removing it from the market is vital.
“Teams are also seeing a huge increase in the availability of oversized and illegal vapes, many of which are targeted at children. An increasing number of these are now advertising 12,000 puff capability, which is ten times the legal limit. The team do rely on intelligence from the public about the sales of any non-compliant or illegal products, so anyone with information should contact the service.”
People can report the sale of illegal or counterfeit products on the Trading Standards confidential helpline on 01785330356.
Watch the moment specialist search dogs discovered illegal vapes and tobacco hidden in a secret compartment behind the counter.