4 days ago
Illegal vapes and cigarettes worth millions seized in police operation
A council has revealed that more than 480,000 illegal cigarettes and 26,856 illegal vapes have been seized as part of a police operation.
The BBC report has highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Newport City Council's trading standards officers, who have been working in conjunction with law enforcement to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products in the city.
As a part of their efforts, the officers have been working with landlords to ensure that only tenants with legitimate businesses are renting their properties.
Operation Firecrest, which began in October 2023, has resulted in 87 seizures of illegal tobacco and vaping products throughout the city.
The seized goods include 481,790 illegal cigarettes, 26,856 illegal disposable vaping devices, and 199.05kg of illegal hand-rolled tobacco, which is equivalent to 199,050 cigarettes.
In total, the seized items are equivalent to approximately six million cigarettes, with an estimated value of around £1.85 million.
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The BBC accompanied the team as they carried out their work in various parts of the city, including a shopping district where five premises were previously selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
All of these premises were taken to court, where magistrates issued closure orders.
Two of the premises have changed their use, one is currently vacant, and another was recently closed down.
A fifth has reopened, but is now believed to be trading lawfully.
As part of another operation in 2023, a network of illegal tobacco sellers in Commercial Street was identified.
This led to the removal of a significant amount of products from sale, and a residential address was raided where cannabis and cash were found.
Five shops were subject to closure orders, and three individuals were charged with fraudulent trading, to which they later pleaded guilty.
Councillor Mark Spencer, Newport City Council's cabinet member for communities and sport, said: "The illegal trade of tobacco and vapes is harmful to our residents and those communities where it is taking place.
"We will not tolerate it in our neighbourhoods or our city.
"I would like to thank our trading standards officers for their continued fight against these criminals and the partners they work with including the police and National Trading Standards.
"Closure orders can only be for a limited period which is why the officers have been working with landlords.
"We are grateful to those who have taken their advice in relation to the type of tenants they have and urge others to be vigilant.
"We would welcome changes in the legislation which would strengthen the action that can be taken against those involved in the illegal trade and the premises they operate from."
