Thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco seized in Somerset store
The raid followed information received concerning cheap tobacco and vapes being sold to children in the area.
Last updated 24th Feb 2023
More than £20,000 of illicit tobacco was seized from a store in Taunton on Tuesday (February 21).
The joint operation was carried out by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and Avon and Somerset Police.
The raid followed information received concerning cheap tobacco and vapes being sold to children in the area.
In addition to the tobacco more than 500 illegal disposable vapes, valued at around £5,000, were also found. The matter is now under investigation.
The recent operations means that the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, which is commissioned by Devon and Somerset County Councils, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, has now seized illicit tobacco and vape products worth approximately £350,000 across the service area since 2021.
Alex Fry, Operations Manager from HOTSWA said: “Combatting the supply of illegal tobacco and vapes is a high priority for us. This was a significant seizure for Trading Standards with the intention to disrupt criminals selling illicit tobacco and vapes which are potentially dangerous. This Service is keen to respond to information received from our partners and the public to visit those businesses believed to be engaging in illegal activities.”
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Executive Lead Member for Communities at Somerset County Council, said: “This was a successful joint operation today by our Trading Standards team and Avon & Somerset Police. We know that the availability of illegal tobacco at cheap prices encourages young people to start smoking. We are also aware that the trade in illegal tobacco, which is often counterfeit, is used by organised crime groups to raise funds for their criminal activity. It is also vital that vapes and e-cigarettes are regulated and labelled properly.”
Neighbourhood policing Sergeant Andrew Gloyn said: “We would like to thank the public for reporting their suspicions and concerns to us, this information is a key part of our investigation into reducing the availability of illegal tobacco and vaping products. We are committed to removing these products from the streets and safeguarding our young people.
“Anyone with any concerns or information about the suspected illegal selling of products like tobacco can call 101 to make a report or visit our website at Report | Avon and Somerset Police to report online.”