Illegal vapes, tobacco, cigarettes and laughing gas seized in raids

Illegal cigarettes, tobacco, vapes and cannisters of laughing gas were seized in raids on six shops in Tameside.

As part of Operation Machinise, which targets illegal trading and the supply of illicit goods, officers from Tameside council’s trading standards, environmental health and licensing services visited six shops with colleagues from HM Revenue and Customs, Border Force and the police.

They seized 59 packets of illicit cigarettes, 145 illegal e-cigarettes, and 116 packs of cigarettes and rolling tobacco which require further checks with brand-holders as to their authenticity.

Two of the premises sold illicit tobacco to external enforcement agents acting on behalf of Tameside Trading Standards. These sales provided important evidence to support action which is being taken against the businesses.

Additionally, 11 test purchases of illicit tobacco were made and these businesses will be visited by council inspectors accompanied by police officers and Wagtail UK sniffer dogs to locate their illicit stock so that it can be seized and further enforcement measures taken.

During a visit to a shop already being investigated by Trading Standards, the police uncovered a large number of nitrous oxide cannisters which it is suspected were being supplied for illegal recreational use.

This is a matter now being dealt with by the police separately to ongoing council enforcement action.

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “Trade in illicit tobacco and vapes may not sound a particularly serious crime but in actual fact it supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.

“It also costs the country several billion pounds in lost excise duty, which limits the amount of money that can be spent on public services.

“Tameside Council’s officers will always take the necessary enforcement action to keep our residents safe and support the vast majority of businesses that comply with the law.”