Illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in raids

Large quantities of illegal cigarettes and vapes have been seized following a series of raids.

The contraband - some of which did not pass this country's safety requirements - was discovered at three stores in Spalding during a joint operation between Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Trading Standards.

Monday's raids were carried out at two stores on Winsover Road and one on Station Street, based on positive test purchases for illicit cigarettes.

The operation was led by Trading Standards, which estimates that between 200 and 300 vapes, and roughly 12,000 cigarettes (still being officially catalogued) were seized.

Principal Trading Standards Officer Andy Wright said: “This is another example of the partnership work between Trading Standards, Police Licensing and Neighbourhood Policing teams.

"The operation was part of Operation Elgin, to combat the sale of illegal cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (or vapes) across Lincolnshire.

"The cigarettes seized from three premises in Spalding are all illegal and cannot be sold in the UK.

"Many were counterfeit."

Mr Wright warned that some of the items sold could be dangerous.

He added: "Most would fail to meet ignition propensity safety requirements meaning they wouldn’t self-extinguish if left unattended.

"We are aware of a number of deaths in Lincolnshire specifically linked to this failure. None had been subject to UK duty payments."

It is hoped that this raid can play its part in reducing further crimes.

"In many areas of Lincolnshire we have found that shops selling illegal cigarettes are found in local crime hotspots," Mr Wright explained.

"We have found that removing shops selling illegal cigarettes can result in a reduction of over 12% in general crime and anti-social behaviour in an area.

"It appears the shops either cause the problem, or attract those responsible.

"Increasingly we are finding shops selling illegal cigarettes also sell illegal vapes.

"Vapes are age restricted and can only be sold to those (aged) 18 and over.

"It is no surprise that sellers of illegal cigarettes have little regard for the age of their customers when supplying vapes.

"In fact many vapes are in flavours such as bubble gum, or candy flavours that are clearly intended to appeal to children.

"Some of the illegal vapes seized contained the same nicotine content as 150 average cigarettes.

"My Officers will investigate the circumstances of these seizures and we will not hesitate to instigate criminal proceedings and seek closure orders where appropriate.”

The authorities did not reveal the names of the stores were raided.