A multi-agency operation led by Cambridgeshire Trading Standards has resulted in the seizure of illegal tobacco and vapes across East Cambridgeshire.
On 23 June, officers worked alongside Cambridgeshire Police and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to carry out inspections at premises in Ely, Soham and Littleport. The operation led to the seizure of 25,000 illegal cigarettes, 6.85kg of hand-rolling tobacco and more than 138 illegal vaping products from three locations.
Specialist Wagtail detection dogs, trained to locate hidden tobacco, supported the operation.
The action forms part of ongoing work across the county to target the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and nicotine products. Over the past year, Trading Standards officers have seized around 3,500 illegal vapes and more than 32,000 illicit cigarettes across Cambridgeshire.
Items confiscated included vapes with oversized tanks, incorrect or missing labelling, and products that had not been notified to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), making them illegal for sale in the UK. Officers also seized tobacco products that did not carry the required health warnings in English.
Peter Gell, Head of Service for Cambridgeshire Trading Standards, said: “These targeted enforcement operations send a clear message that the sale of illegal tobacco and nicotine products will not be tolerated in Cambridgeshire.
“This was a positive result for the local community and a strong example of partners working together to tackle organised crime. Disrupting this activity helps keep our communities safe and protects vulnerable people from harm.
“The sale of these products helps to fund organised crime, and there is clear evidence that the availability of cheap tobacco undermines efforts to help people stop smoking.”
Residents are encouraged to report any information or suspicions about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products. Reports can be made anonymously at www.keep-it-out.co.uk, which also provides guidance on how to identify illicit products.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Mat Lupton-Pike, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: “Protecting our communities is at the heart of everything we do, and the sale of illegal cigarettes, vapes and tobacco not only damages people’s health but also supports wider criminal networks.
“Working alongside our partners is a vital part of the everyday work carried out by our neighbourhood teams in response to issues raised by the public.”
Alternatively, residents can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
