Illegal vapes and tobacco worth over £120,000 have seen seized in Sandwell in a multi-agency operation led by the local council.
Sandwell Council Trading Standards, in partnership with the Modern Slavery Team, General Licensing Department and West Midlands Police, conducted three intelligence-led raids across the borough, resulting in the confiscation of the illegal goods.
These items were hidden in sophisticated concealments, including behind a false wall, behind a bathroom mirror and beneath a specially adapted shelving unit. Many of these hiding places were secured with an electro-magnetic system.
Criminal investigations are ongoing, which could lead to subsequent prosecutions and closure orders, the council said.
In a separate case from a different operation, an individual pleaded guilty to stocking illicit tobacco at his shop on 25 July. The individual was sentenced to 27 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and to pay full costs of £5,750.33.
“The trade in illegal tobacco and vapes is not only harmful to businesses in the borough who are trading legally, but it also creates a cheap source of tobacco for young people. It undermines all the good work being done to stop people smoking. Additionally, the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes has strong links to other criminal activities. We want Sandwell to be a place where residents, workers, and visitors can feel safe at all times,” Cllr Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community, said.
“In addition, illegal tobacco and vapes can harm our residents' health, so it's vital we restrict their availability. Illegal vapes are dangerous because they haven't gone through safety tests and there can be severe risks including dispensing too much nicotine, banned substances or encouraging over consumption.”
A spokesperson for the Sandwell’s Modern Slavery Team said, said: “This multi-agency operation is part of Sandwell’s commitment to tackling exploitation. The slavery and human trafficking operational partnership plays a key role in supporting these types of visits, identifying, and responding to any potential cases of exploitation, as well as supporting the disruption activities to help prevent any further incidents.
“Labour exploitation and criminal exploitation, which are both forms of modern slavery, are often identified during operations like these. Immigration crimes require a robust response and a detailed follow-up to ensure public protection and the safeguarding of any potential victims. At the locations individuals were identified that required further support as they did not have the requirement to work legally within the UK.”
