Thousands of counterfeit cigarettes and vapes found hidden in South Yorkshire shops
Police say they even found hidden compartments in walls
Thousands of counterfeit cigarettes and illegal vapes have been seized after raids on shops in Barnsley and Doncaster.
The multiagency operation seized thousands of items, including some hidden inside wall compartments.
Last week (22/10) teams visited two premises in Doncaster city centre and found a hidden concealment within a shop wall. This 'hide' contained hundreds of packets of counterfeit cigarettes.
At the address, two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.
A business in Grimethorpe was also visited earlier in October, where almost 1,500 illegal vapes and over 1,100 packets of counterfeit cigarettes were discovered.
Detective Inspector Joe Hackworthy said: "This partnership operation has led to thousands of potentially harmful counterfeit goods seized - reaffirming our commitment to ensure the safety of our local communities."
"This operation was not only about targeting businesses used as covers for criminality, but showing legitimate businesses that we are taking action against those who are selling counterfeit products."