Thousands of illicit cigarettes seized in raids

Tens of thousands of illicit cigarettes, hundreds of vapes, and unsafe counterfeit toys, as well as Labubus believed to be fake, have been seized from retailers in Wolverhampton.

Acting on complaints, the council's trading standards team partnered with police officers to target a number of premises across the city.

A specially trained detection dog sniffed out some of the illegal tobacco products, which were found across four businesses as well as in the boot of a car.

Other items seized included prescription-only medication, counterfeit energy drinks, boxes of perfume and aftershave also believed to be fakes, and trademark-infringing perfumes.

In total, 38,840 cigarettes were found along with 347 vapes and 17kg of rolling tobacco.

The estimated retail value of the cigarettes and rolling tobacco, if sold at the price of genuine product, would be £45,958, with the evaded duty coming to £23,415, the council said.

The seizures were carried out under trading standards initiative Operation CeCe, with action to be taken against the owners of premises where the material was seized, and further investigations carried out to identify suppliers.

Once investigations have been completed, the illegal cigarettes and tobacco will be handed over to a recycling scheme to be dealt with in an environmentally friendly way, according to the council.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal said: "We are determined to clamp down on the sales of counterfeit products in the city.

"As we head towards Christmas it is particularly important that we stop the sale of items which are unsafe for our younger residents.

"This successful operation forms part of our wider strategy in dealing with this issue and we will continue to carry out targeted action days and routine test purchases."

Officers from the trading standards team warned that the telltale signs of illegal tobacco included unusual taste, cheap price, odd packaging, spelling mistakes or incorrect logos.

They may also have health warnings that may not be printed in English, and may have different sized lettering to usual.

Anyone who thinks they may have been sold illegal goods or suspect someone is selling them, can email [email protected].

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