Huge amounts of illegal cigarettes and vapes have been recovered by East Staffordshire local policing team during an anti-social behavior operation recently.
It was reported on Friday (13) that Staffordshire police and trading standards officers made unannounced visits to three shops, alongside immigration and licensing officials, in response to reports of littering, anti-social behaviour, and drunk-and-disorderly behaviour nearby.
The team recovered more than 33,000 cigarettes, 747 vapes and more than 4kg of hand rolling tobacco from the premises.
PC Kelly Allen, from the East Staffordshire LPT, said, “We understand the impact this kind of behaviour can have; everyone should feel safe in their surroundings and we are committed to tackling any type of anti-social behaviour with our partners. We will continue to listen to people’s concerns over criminality and take proactive action against those responsible.”
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said, “Our officers continue to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes, and it’s great to see yet another successful joint operation.
“Officers worked in conjunction with Staffordshire Police and licensing and immigration officers while visiting three premises in Burton. The illegal and illicit goods were found in all premises, with some being hidden in special compartments. Anyone with information on the sale of such goods should contact the team, who will investigate the matter.”
