Illicit tobacco and vapes worth about £46K seized in Conwy

All four premises have been supplying illicit and unsafe cigarettes and tobacco, as well as illegal vapes, to adults and children.

During the inspections, extremely advanced and purpose-built concealments were found, where the illegal and unsafe tobacco and vapes where kept. 

All of the products identified as illicit have been seized, and investigations are ongoing.

In total, across the four premises, the following was seized:

• 834 packets (16,680 cigarettes) of illicit and unsafe tobacco.
• 29.25kg (585 pouches) of illicit and unsafe hand-rolling tobacco.
• 1,353 illegal and unsafe vapes.

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A Conwy County Borough Council spokesperson said: “Whilst trading standards appreciate that at times the perception is that the only person losing out is the taxman, nothing could be further from the truth. 

“This illegal trade in tobacco products and vapes has a direct impact on local businesses who are selling legitimate products. 

“The people involved with the sale and supply of illicit and unsafe products are happy to sell products to very young children, close down and destroy legitimate local business, and are almost always involved in modern-day slavery, child sexual exploitation, and serious organised crime.

“There are also the additional safety concerns about this trade. Legitimate tobacco products and vapes have to undergo rigorous testing and they include additional safety features. 

“With the illicit products, none of this happens, and products have been known to be extremely dangerous to people’s immediate health.

“Trading standards are asking anyone that has information about people selling cheap cigarettes or hand-rolling tobacco to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”