Long Eaton Police assist Trading Standards after reports of illegal tobacco and vapes sales in Draycott

Officers from the Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team have assisted Derbyshire Trading Standards in operation at a local shop in Draycott which was reported to be selling illegal tobacco and vaping products.

The exact location of the raid has not been detailed.

In carrying out the operation, 1.3kg of hand rolling tobacco, 5460 cigarettes and 91 non-compliant vapes were seized with a total estimated retail value of over £3,000.

Illegal tobacco can include counterfeit tobacco products that are a "serious risk to health" as some products have been found to contain harmful elements.

Counterfeit tobacco is described as 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 throughout the supply chain including Organised Crime Groups

Bootlegged items 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, whilst smuggled items are generally legitimately manufactured tobacco products which have evaded payment of tax by being illegally transported, distributed and sold.

Find out more and be aware about illegal tobacco by visiting this link.