Illegal goods seized from Flintshire shops

Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes have been seized in raids at two Flintshire shops.

Trading Standards Officers from Flintshire County Council carried out a successful joint operation with Immigration Enforcement at the premises in Flint and Holywell. 

Illegal products were identified at both stores, which were targeted as a result of intelligence and complaints.

In Flint, 104 packets of counterfeit cigarettes and 16 pouches of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco were seized, along with a quantity of illegal single-use disposable vapes.

A further 68 packets of counterfeit cigarettes and 30 pouches of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco were seized from the store in Holywell. The estimated total value of the products seized in the two raids was £1,370.

Councillor Ted Palmer, Cabinet Member for Highways, Assets and Public Protection, said:

“This latest successful operation demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting our residents by clamping down on this type of illegal activity.

“The sale of illegal tobacco products and vapes presents a serious risk to public health, as they are not subject to the same safety checks as genuine products.

“It also undermines the trade of legitimate local businesses, and is often connected to wider organised crime.

“We will continue to work closely with partner organisations to disrupt such activity and pursue appropriate further action where possible.”

Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal sales to Flintshire County Council Trading Standards by emailing:

trading.standards@flintshire.gov.uk