Illegal tobacco and vape products seized from shops

A recent operation saw illegal tobacco and vape products seized by West Northamptonshire’s Trading Standards Team from shops in Northampton and Daventry.

The multi-service operation, which also involved our Neighbourhood Wardens, saw visits to three shops, and seizures were made at each of them. In two instances hides were located, with one accessed behind an electric-powered wall and another behind hinged shelving.

In total the team uncovered:

• 616 packets of illicit cigarettes
• 26 pouches / 1.3kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco
• 26 illegal vapes

The cigarettes and tobacco found were a mixture of foreign-labelled items intended for sale in other countries with no UK excise duty paid, as well as counterfeit products or ‘cheap white’ cigarettes, neither of which meet British safety standards.

The confiscated vapes were illegal under the single-use vape ban introduced in June last year. All of the seized items will be destroyed.

Trading Standards officers are now working with partners to take further action, including steps to prevent these businesses from future trading.

Cllr Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, said: “This operation is part of sustained efforts to stamp out the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes that not only expose local communities to harmful substances but also undermines legitimate local businesses.

“Our Trading Standards teams will continue to work closely with the police and other partners to take firm, coordinated action against anyone who chooses to break the law and put the public at risk.” Residents can report illegal tobacco and vapes activity to West Northamptonshire Trading Standards or by phoning the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Businesses are also being warned that selling illegal tobacco can lead to penalties of up to £10,000, alongside civil sanctions including seizure and destruction of products and – in some cases – criminal prosecution.

Businesses or individuals coerced into handling illegal tobacco can visit the Government’s Report Tax Fraud page on its website or call the HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.