Thousands of pounds of illegal tobacco and vapes seized in Goole
Police and trading standards officers raided four businesses in the town
Officers from East Riding of Yorkshire Council trading standards raided four businesses in Goole on Thursday 24 October, for selling illicit tobacco and vape products.
Trading Standards officers, assisted by Humberside Police, raided the businesses, finding 440 vapes, 22,500 cigarettes and more than 10kg of hand rolled tobacco HRT.
The tobacco products were both counterfeit and unsafe with a retail value of £14,500
They were contrary to the Tobacco Related Products Regulations 2016, the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015, and the Trademarks Act 1994.
The illegal products were found in multiple locations, including behind panelling, in outbuildings, and behind tiles.
Illegal tobacco products were found with the assistance of detection dogs ‘Sky’ and ‘Louis’, provided by Wagtail UK. The dogs revealed compartments designed to hide illegal products from enforcement officers.
The raid was part of Operation CeCe, a nationwide initiative aimed at disrupting the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco. Additional raids also took place at premises in Hessle and Hedon.
Councillor Lyn Healing, cabinet member for communities and public protection said “We are dedicated to maintaining the East Riding as a safe place to live, and we will not tolerate illegal activity. Illegal tobacco is often unsafe and linked to organised crime. I encourage all residents to report any such activity to the relevant authorities.”
Those found guilty of selling illicit tobacco, can face penalties of up to £10,000, a seizure of any tobacco products, a removal of the right to sell tobacco, or a prison sentence. Officers are investigating the offences in this case and will consider enforcement action in due course.