Thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes have been seized from shops in the New Forest following a targeted joint operation.
Enforcement action was taken in Ringwood and Totton on Wednesday, May 27, as part of a day of action targeting suspected illegal sales.
The operation was led by Hampshire County Council Trading Standards, with support from the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime team and the Totton Neighbourhood Policing Team.
PC Antony Waghorn, of the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime unit, said: "Following hot on the heels of a similar operation in New Milton earlier this month, we have joined forces to once more demonstrate our continued commitment to protecting our communities from illegal and harmful activity.
"This joined-up approach is essential in us removing illegal items from the shelves, including cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes, and ensuring the safety and welfare of the workers in these stores."
In Ringwood, three packets of tobacco, 11 pouches of non-compliant nicotine, and around 30 items of incorrectly labelled food and drink were seized from the shop.
A vehicle linked to the store was also searched, revealing 142 packets of cigarettes and 11 pouches of hand-rolled tobacco.
In Totton, officers seized 216 packets of cigarettes, 46 pouches of hand-rolled tobacco, 156 illicit vapes, and 50 food and drink products.
The combined street value of the seized items was estimated at £3,326, with compliant equivalents valued at £8,529.
PC Waghorn said the operation targeted criminal activity that exploits people and affects both residents and lawful businesses.
Read more:
He added: "We will continue to work together with Trading Standards and other partners to identify those higher up the chain, those who profit from these offences, and ensure they are held to account.
"As we always say, there’s consequences to actions and we will continue enforce these."
He also thanked the public for their support.
"Huge thanks must again go to members of the community, including local shoppers and workers, for their information and support with this type of operation."
A special mention was given to Trading Standards' sniffer dog, George, who assisted in the operation.
Share