Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 5th February 2025, 19:10hrs
£14,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes were seized during the operation
A large quantity of illicit tobacco products have been seized during an operation carried out by the Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team and Trading Standards.
The operation carried out on Friday, 31st January 2025, led to £14,000 worth of illegal products being taken off the streets.
In a social media update, Lancashire Police said:
“Officers visited several retail businesses across Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Waterfoot.”
“Two locations were found to have a large quantity of illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes, with an approximate retail value of over £14,000. These products were seized by Rossendale Police, and Trading Standards will be taking appropriate enforcement action against the shops.”
Sergeant Paul Marsden, from Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These products are illegal and can pose a serious risk to the health of those consuming them.”
“I’m glad we have been able to remove a quantity of them off the streets of Rossendale and we will continue to work with our partners to tackle this issue. We would encourage our communities to report any shops who are breaking the law so we can continue to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco.”
If you have any information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products, please report it here https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.
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