Police have seized illegal cigarettes and several bags full of suspected counterfeit vapes from stores across Dudley in a targeted crackdown on high street shops.
During two days of 'dedicated action' in the borough, officers teamed up with Trading Standards officials to visit stores linked to 'funding criminality.' Several bags full of suspected counterfeit vapes and illegal cigarettes were seized from stores across Dudley this month.
Brierley Hill and Stourbridge Raids
At a store on Dudley Road, in Brierley Hill, a small quantity of illegal tobacco was found concealed in a different room, alongside more cigarettes and tobacco in a drain. All vapes inside the store were also seized on suspicion of being counterfeit.
Over in Stourbridge, a shop on Lower High Street was targeted, with teams identifying a man suspected of trying to sell counterfeit cigarettes. The store was closed and searched, with further counterfeit cigarettes found inside the store and a nearby vehicle. Several black bin bags full of suspected counterfeit vapes were also seized.
Further Raids in Halesowen and Brierley Hill
Earlier in the month, two more shops were raided by police and Trading Standards officers. A large quantity of vapes and tobacco was recovered, alongside a canister of Nitrous Oxide, at a store on Shell Corner, Halesowen. In Brierley Hill, a number of illegal and counterfeit toys were seized from a store on Dudley Road.
Arrest Made
A 26-year-old man was arrested last Friday evening (22 May) after intelligence suggested children were being sold vapes in the Dudley area. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and supplying a controlled Class B drug. He has since been bailed with strict conditions while enquiries continue.
Police Statement
Chief Inspector Adam Henderson, from Dudley Police, said: “By working with our partners we’re able to help disrupt organised crime, act on concerns raised by our communities, take illegal and counterfeit items off the streets, and bring those involved to justice.
“We know the community has concerns over shops that sell illegal cigarettes, vapes, and other counterfeit goods which are often linked to serious organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“We’re intent on doing everything we can to crackdown on these shops and keeping our communities safe – and operations like this will continue.
“If you have concerns about shops and issues of this nature in your local area, please report it to us or our partners – the more information we have, the better an opportunity we have at taking action.”
