Illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in Long Eaton

A working dog from the Derbyshire Trading Standards team has assisted Derbyshire Police officers in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal tobacco and vapes from two stores in Long Eaton.

The animal, named 'Frank' was involved in the process which started with a test purchase of illegal cigarettes, made from One Stop Mini Market in High Street followed by a seizure of 3,400 cigarettes and 700g of tobacco from a hide in the toilet ceiling.

A second test purchase of illegal cigarettes was made from Local Shop, Station Road, with 1,000 cigarettes seized from a bedroom of the flat above and approx. 150 non-compliant vapes from a hide behind a shelving unit in the bathroom. 12 counterfeit Labubu dolls were then seized from the shop.

These had a street value worth thousands of pounds

One of the premises was closed and work will be done with the landlord to ensure this activity does not continue.

A statement from the Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Illegal tobacco can include counterfeit tobacco products that are a serious risk to health as some products have been found to contain harmful elements including asbestos and other waste products."

What is illegal tobacco?

• Counterfeit: these are illegally manufactured tobacco products which are often made abroad, but sometimes in the UK. They are sold cheaply and tax free and vast profits are made throughoutthe supply chain including Organised Crime Groups
• Bootlegged: these are tobacco products which are purchased in a country with a low level of taxation and illegally brought into the UK, evading payment of tax.
• Smuggled: these are generally legitimately manufactured tobacco products which have evaded payment of tax by being illegally transported, distributed and sold.

Be Aware of Illegal Tobacco. Click here for more details.