Posted on Friday 14th November 2025
Some of the illicit goods seized across Staffordshire in October
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council have launched a series of investigations following multiple seizures of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.
Officers made the discoveries at 14 premises in Stafford, Lichfield, Cannock, Tamworth and Staffordshire Moorlands during October. They seized 28.6kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 46,220 cigarettes and 1,413 illegal vapes with a street value of £37,955. Officers were supported by Staffordshire Police and district and borough councils, including Lichfield District Council Environmental Health team.
The shops are now being investigated, may face prosecution and, in some areas, could be forced to close.
The Staffordshire raids were part of Operation Machinize 2, a national initiative targeting the criminal exploitation of high street businesses. Led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), the operation saw thousands of premises across the country targeted. The initiative involved every UK police force and the Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We will not tolerate crime on our high streets and 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.”
People can report the sale of illegal, dangerous or counterfeit goods on the Trading Standards Report It webpage or by calling the confidential helpline on 01785 330356.