Fake cigarettes, vapes and tobacco seized in raids

Thousands of fake cigarettes and illegal tobacco and vapes were seized from multiple businesses in Goole.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council trading standards and police raided four shops on 24 October for selling illicit tobacco and vape products.

Officers found 440 vapes, 22,500 cigarettes and more than 22lbs (10kg) of hand-rolled tobacco.

Councillor Lyn Healing said: "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, which had a retail value of £14,500 and were found with the help of detection dogs, were counterfeit, unsafe and contravened multiple tobacco product regulations and the Trademarks Act 1994.

The raid was part of Operation CeCe, a nationwide initiative aimed at preventing the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco.

Additional raids also took place at premises in Hessle and Hedon.

Officers are investigating the offences and will consider enforcement action in due course, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said.

Those found guilty of selling illicit tobacco can face penalties of up to £10,000 or even a prison sentence.

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