Police Seize Over £90k Illegal Vapes and Tobacco in UK Wide Raids

Authorities across England are intensifying efforts to combat the illegal trade of tobacco and vape products, seizing substantial quantities in coordinated raids. In West London, over £33,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes were confiscated following Trading Standards and police operations, with evidence indicating shop owners use WhatsApp groups to warn each other of raids. In Essex, police working with multiple agencies under Operation Machinize seized goods valued at over £60,000, including nearly 100,000 cigarettes, 47.5 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco, and over 3,000 vapes, uncovering hidden compartments and vehicles used to evade detection. More than 80% of premises inspected in Essex showed violations related to illegal product sales, signaling widespread organized crime involvement. Additionally, police in Kidsgrove seized a large quantity of illegal tobacco during vehicle searches, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by illicit trade to public health and community safety. These coordinated crackdowns send a strong message that authorities are committed to disrupting organized crime networks profiting from illegal tobacco and vape sales.