East Riding of Yorkshire Trading Standards Officers have seized £14,500 worth of illicit tobacco and vape products from four businesses in Goole.
With support from Humberside Police and specially trained tobacco detection dogs supplied by Wagtail Ltd, Officers visited the businesses on 24 October and found 440 illicit vapes, 22,500 cigarettes and more than 10kg of hand-rolling tobacco. The products were discovered in concealments behind tiles and panelling, as well as in outbuildings.
The raids were carried out as part of Operation CeCe, a nationwide initiative aimed at disrupting the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco. Additional raids also took place at premises in Hessle and Hedon.
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire cabinet member for communities and public protection, said “We are dedicated to maintaining the East Riding as a safe place to live, and we will not tolerate illegal activity. Illegal tobacco is often unsafe and linked to organised crime. I encourage all residents to report any such activity to the relevant authorities.”
The tobacco products were found to be counterfeit and in contravention of the Tobacco Related Products Regulations 2016, the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015, and the Trademarks Act 1994.
Penalties for selling illicit tobacco include fines of up to £10,000, a removal of the right to sell tobacco, and prison sentences. East Riding Trading Standards is conducting further investigations of the businesses involved and considering the most appropriate enforcement action to take.
