Officers from Durham Constabulary and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) have teamed up with Durham police and crime commissioner Joy Allen, Trading Standards, Public Health and local councils to tackle illegal vapes and tobacco.
The initiative, known as Operation Nightstar, is a proactive intelligence gathering and evidence led operation targeting shops selling illegal vapes and tobacco.
Part of Operation Nightstar is targeting shops and sellers believed to be involved in the illegal distribution of illegal vapes. A further strand focuses on protecting those at risk of being exploited in the process or as a result of these vapes being sold.
The final strand looks to raise awareness of these illegal vapes and urging the public to report any information or concerns they have.
“As legal vapes become more and more popular officers and partners are seeing a rise in illegal and dangerous knockoffs,” NEROCU Detective Chief Inspector Daryll Tomlinson, said.
“Illegal vapes are untested and unrestricted, they carry incredibly dangerous health risks and there are also concerns illegal vapes are connected to the exploitation of children or other vulnerable persons.
“We know that vapes are more appealing to children and while work such as test purchasing and targeted operations are ongoing to stop the sale of these to those underage, we need to make sure we’re working with the public and partners to stop the sale of illegal vapes altogether.”
Durham police and crime commissioner, Joy Allen, said: "The results of Operation Nightstar are alarming and completely unacceptable. The sale of illegal and non-compliant vapes, particularly to children, is not only a breach of the law but a direct threat to the safety of our communities.
“As police and crime commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that those who exploit vulnerable individuals, especially young people, face the full force of enforcement. Tackling drug-related crime, including the illegal vape trade, is a central pillar of my Police and Crime Plan. In addition to my work nationally where I raise concerns about adulterated vapes, I also play a proactive role locally as chair of the Strategic Drug Partnership, demonstrating my strong commitment to addressing these challenges head-on.
"We will not tolerate this kind of exploitation in County Durham and Darlington. Together with our partners, we will act swiftly and decisively to stamp out this growing threat and safeguard our communities.”
Shaun Trevor, Darlington Borough Council’s trading standards and health manager, said: “The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes is a serious crime which endangers public health and supports organised criminality. Darlington trading standards team is continuing its efforts, alongside Durham Constabulary, to target businesses involved in the selling of illegal tobacco and vapes, and to educate the public about the risks associated with using these them.
“We take all complaints seriously and will investigate and take action, as proceeds from this type of criminality can help fund more serious and violent offences. Any business supplying these products, particularly to underage children, can expect a visit.”
You can report information to your local police force via their website or by contacting the Illegal Tobacco Hotline: 0300 999 0000.
