Illegal vapes and cigarettes taken off the streets in Newton Abbot

£7,500 worth of suspected illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes were seized from a shop in Newton Abbot as part of a joint operation with Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police.

£7,500 worth of suspected illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes were seized from a shop in Newton Abbot as part of a joint operation with Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police.

The operation hauled in illicit tobacco products, including a total of 529 packs of cigarettes and 414 pouches of tobacco. Over 30 non-UK compliant vapes were also seized.

“These types of illegal goods aren’t regulated, which means they don’t go through the usual safety procedures that are required by law to be sold in the UK,” said Police Sergeant Joe Downton who led the operation.

He added: “I understand that some people may not see the direct benefit of this seizure on community safety – but this outcome was really positive.

“These important checks are in place to keep people safe and protect consumers rights. It also means we don’t know what’s in them. I’m pleased we were able to work together with Trading Standards to remove a substantial amount from circulation.”

Police Inspector James Johnson said: “If you suspect illegal activity, it’s vital that you come forward and report it to us. We can’t know everything and we can’t be everywhere all the time – your information is essential in helping us take proactive action to disrupt criminality on our streets, just like we’ve done in Newton Abbot.”

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for the Trading Standards service, said: “The removal of illegal tobacco and vapes from the marketplace is a high priority for us and we are pleased to have worked together with Devon and Cornwall Police on this successful operation in Newton Abbot.  Sellers who supply illegal tobacco and vapes undercut legitimate businesses and seldom worry about supplying the cheap products to children.  We will continue to target them based on intelligence received from consumers, legitimate businesses, or partner agencies.”

Sellers of these products face prosecution, potentially leading to significant fines and/or imprisonment.

To report concerns of illegal tobacco or vapes, contact Trading Standards, email tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk or phone 01392 383000.

To report concerns of businesses engaging in illegal activity or to log non-urgent crimes happening in your area, please visit our website or call 101.

You can also pass information 100% anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Information about your report will be handed anonymously to the police to investigate.