Thousands of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized as police raid Skegness store for second time

Thousands of illegal cigarettes and vapes have been seized following a police raid.

Trading Standards officers uncovered 20,000 counterfeit Lambert & Butler cigarettes, 3,800 foreign labelled cigarettes and 826 illegal oversized e-cigarettes, many of them falsely labelled as ‘nicotine free’, at Skegness Mini Market on Roman Bank.

“Not only is there a potential health risk to members of the public who might not realise what they’re buying; but these cheaper, illegal products undermine the activities of law-abiding businesses in the area,” Andy Wright, principal Trading Standards officer, said.

“My officers will investigate potential offences and we will instigate criminal proceedings where appropriate.”

Neighbourhood Policing Team Officers, Immigration Officers and Trading Standards Officers were involved in the raid last Wednesday (August 14).

This is the second seizure of illegal cigarettes and vapes from Skegness Mini Market after 9,842 vapes were seized in February.

Most of the cigarettes seized by Trading Standard officers were recorded as counterfeit.

Skegness Community Beat Manager PC Billy Spence said: “We are committed to collaborating with our partner agencies, sharing intelligence, assisting in searches and being present while the closure orders are served, keeping our coastal high streets a safe place to live, work and visit.

“Often the criminal networks behind these premises exploit vulnerable populations and contribute toward broader criminal activity.

“We are resolute in our determination to disrupt these networks.

“Our multi-agency collaboration continues to fight hard against those selling illicit cigarettes, vapes and tobacco products to keep our communities safe and our legitimate businesses prosperous.”

To report someone selling illicit tobacco products or vapes you can contact Trading Standards via Lincolnshire County Council Citizens Advise Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.