Illegal tobacco and banned vapes seized in Trading Standards operation

Thousands of illegal cigarettes, tobacco products and banned disposable vapes have been seized during two shop raids.

Officers visited properties in Holywell and Connah’s Quay, where they seized around 6,500 cigarettes, nearly 3kg of hand-rolling tobacco and around 150 disposable vapes.

The total estimated street value of the illegal goods was £3,200.

The operation was carried out as part of a national initiative known as Operation CeCe, an enforcement campaign aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal tobacco and related products, which can pose serious risks to public health and undermine legitimate local businesses.

The cigarettes and tobacco were either counterfeit, non-duty paid or did not comply with legal requirements for sale in the UK, meaning they have no legal market.

Meanwhile disposable vapes were banned in June 2025, to tackle vaping among children and young people and due to environmental concerns, including around the fire risk posed by discarded lithium ion batteries.

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

“The sale of illegal tobacco and banned vapes poses a risk to our communities and undermines legitimate local businesses. It can also help to fuel wider criminal activity.

“These latest raids demonstrate our continued commitment to protecting our residents and ensuring businesses operate within the law.”

Flintshire County Council will continue to work with partner organisations to identify and disrupt the sale of these kinds of illegal products.

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

trading.standards@flintshire.gov.uk