Thousands of black market cigs seized in shop raids

Thousands of black market cigarettes and vapes were among the items seized after raids across shops in Tameside this past week.

Enforcements officers from Tameside Council (TMBC) joined with police and immigration officials in a crackdown on vape shops, barbers and hair salons where members of the public had raised concerns. 

One shop was found to have more than 5,000 illegal cigarettes, almost 500 prohibited disposable vapes, and 2.3kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco. 

TMBC say they will take action against two barbers, with officers confiscating 340 black market cigarettes from one and serving papers on another to repair faulty electrical sockets. 

Police and immigration officers also made several arrests during the operation. 

Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods Cllr Laura Boyle said: “This is a great example of our partnership working to protect local people and support legitimate businesses that comply with the law.  

“Thank you to the members of the public who provided information which supported the operation. 

“Trade in illicit tobacco and e cigarettes supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.  

“We will always take enforcement action where we find businesses that are not complying with the law and putting our local community at risk.  

“Thank you to the teams involved for your dedication.”