Posted on Tuesday 30th September 2025
Illegal cigarettes seized at a previous raid like those in Newcastle this month
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council have launched an investigation following the seizure of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes worth over £10,000.
Officers made the discoveries during raids at three premises in Newcastle on Thursday 18 September as part of a joint Trading Standards and police investigation into illegal cigarettes and immigration crime.
In the raids, officers seized 6,662 cigarettes, 2.5kg of hand rolling tobacco and 467 vapes. Test purchases took place at each shop over the last few months that showed they were selling counterfeit goods. The shops are now being investigated, may face prosecution and, in some areas, could be forced to close.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes in our communities. These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks—especially to young people. Our enforcement teams are actively cracking down on rogue traders, and anyone caught selling these items will face the full force of the law, including prosecution and closure.
“The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets. Every illegal product taken off the shelves is a blow to those who profit from exploiting the public.”
The raids are also part of Operation Cece, which is a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:
“The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law.
“Having removed 19 million illegal cigarettes and 5,103kg of hand rolling tobacco in 2023-24, Operation CeCe (a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC) has taken £27.2 million pounds worth of illicit tobacco off the market since the operation launched in 2021 and continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”
People can report the sale of illegal or counterfeit products to the Trading Standards confidential helpline on 01785330356.