Trading Standards officers from Staffordshire County Council have seized a significant haul of illegal goods, with almost £38,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes taken from shops across the Midlands.
Major Haul Across Multiple Towns
The enforcement action took place in October, targeting 14 different business premises. The raids covered towns and districts including Cannock, Lichfield, Stafford, Staffordshire Moorlands and Tamworth.
In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegal products. Officers confiscated 28.6kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 46,220 cigarettes and 1,413 illegal vapes.
The combined street value of all the confiscated goods was confirmed to be £37,955.
Shops Face Prosecution and Closure
This coordinated action was supported by Staffordshire Police and local district and borough councils. Following the raids, investigations have been launched into the shops involved.
Some shop owners have been warned they now face prosecution and could potentially be forced to close their businesses entirely as a result of their involvement in the illegal trade.
Part of a National Crackdown
The raids were conducted as part of Operation Machinize 2, a major national initiative led by the National Crime Agency (NCA). This operation specifically targets the criminal exploitation of high street businesses across the country.
Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, stated: “We will not tolerate crime on our high streets and the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes in our communities.”
He emphasised that these products undermine legitimate businesses and pose serious health risks, particularly to young people. Screen added, “The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”
The council has urged anyone with concerns about the sale of illegal, dangerous or counterfeit goods in the Staffordshire area to contact the confidential Trading Standards helpline on 01785 330356.
