Published: Wednesday, 11th June 2025
Illegal tobacco and vapes worth £25,000 have been taken off Stoke-on-Trent streets as part of a national operation and the council mission to reclaim our streets.
Trading Standards officers raided four premises on Tunstall High Street and were accompanied by Staffordshire Police and a Wagtails UK Tobacco Detection Dog and handler.
In total, 20,000 cigarettes, 6.5kg of hand rolling tobacco, 650 vapes and 22 tubs of shisha were seized.
The raids took place as part of Operation Cece, a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC, which is aimed at tackling the supply of illegal tobacco.
This activity also follows the introduction of the ban on single use vapes, which came into force on Sunday 1 June.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers continue to work to protect our communities and get these illegal products off our streets. Illegal tobacco and vapes often exploit vulnerable workers and undermine legitimate business.
“This work is part of the council’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener and safer city for all and you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.”
Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to Trading Standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk.
Businesses can find advice and guidance on the ban on single use vapes here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban
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