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Illegal cigarettes and tobacco worth £145k seized

West Mercia Police A series of transparent bags on the left are filled with blue cigarette boxes, in a supermarket aisle lined with vegetables and tins - on the right another set of clear bags with blue cigarette boxes are in a white cage.West Mercia Police
Officers discovered hundreds of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco that had been hidden in a storeroom

Police have seized their "biggest haul" of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in a single shop raid, with a retail value of £145,000.

The stock of illegal products were discovered hidden in a storeroom at Evesham Grocers Limited, in Port Street, Evesham, on Tuesday.

West Mercia Police worked with trading standard officers to uncover the products after the force received complaints from members of the public.

“Illegal tobacco products like these are often linked to serious and organised crime, so it’s important we continue our work to seize them before they go on sale and continue to fund potential criminal enterprises," Sgt Duncan Eades said.

“We will not cease in our work with partners to act on community concerns and disrupt such operations in the future.

“The public are our eyes and ears on the ground so if you think you suspect criminal activities near you please approach your Safer Neighbourhood Officer."

A small quantity of unauthorised vapes were also seized from the mini market.

Police said no arrests have yet been during their investigation.

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