Number of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vape seized in Hull doubles

More than 2.4m counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes were seized by Hull City Council’s Public Protection Team during 2024. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of confiscated cigarettes doubled from 1.05m, to 2.4m; tobacco pouches from 5,312 to 25,841; and vapes from 26,868 to 45,731.

The figures included routine seizures, as well as particularly large finds. Among these seizures included a single operation in October 2024 where cigarettes vapes and goods worth around £100,000 were recovered. In March of the same year, tens of thousands of counterfeit products were discovered stashed in an industrial-sized bin with a concealed compartment.

The Trading Standards Team works closely with Humberside Police to target illegal traders, utlising local intelligence on when and where counterfeit trading is happening, as well as detection dogs to help uncover the best-concealed hiding spots.

Previous hidey holes canine noses have sniffed out have included a compartment inside a concrete drain, a delivery chute from an upstairs flat, a false mirror and a concrete floor safe with a hidden hydraulic lift.

Rachel Stephenson, Head of Public Protection at Hull City Council, said: “Our team and our partners demonstrate over and over again that they stay a step ahead of those trading illegal tobacco and vapes.

“We have seized goods from people running very small operations, as well as major distributers within the city. Close work with our partners, an experienced team and the use of detection dogs where necessary means we can get products off the streets as fast as they arrive. Already in 2025, we have seen significant seizures, including £85,000 worth of products during an operation in March.

“Illegal tobacco and vapes are a danger to anyone who uses them. The products aren’t subjected to the same safety checks as legal versions, and both cigarettes and vapes can pose a fire risk. Those who sell them often target children and young people and we know cheap tobacco is a barrier to adults who want to quit.”