An operation by the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) and Rotherham Council’s Trading Standards has led to the seizure of illegal products worth more than £9,000.
The investigation was carried out this month (September 2023) and focused on three areas in Rotherham.
The authorities removed over 700 vapes, 1,700 cigarettes, 800g of tobacco and 38 illegal bottles of the energy drink Prime from three premises.
This brought the total seizure to £9367 and the work this year by the authorities has seen illegal cigarettes worth an estimated £90,704 and illicit vapes thought to be worth £97,131 recovered to give a combined total of £187,835.
PC Tom Wykes part of the SYP team involved in the operation said: “We know from speaking to residents when out and about that illegal smoking paraphernalia such as this can have a detrimental effect on their community.
“Using intelligence built up by ourselves and our partners such as the council’s Trading Standards department, we execute these warrants to target the supply of these illicit goods to stop them getting into the hands of both young and old in our communities.
“These practices will not be tolerated, and we hope that this shows the hard work that goes into keeping the streets safe for those who live here.”
Councillor Dominic Beck, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “We are committed to helping Rotherham residents be safe, healthy and live well. There are increased risks of harm caused by illicit vapes and tobacco products, which haven’t been through any regulatory control - including chemicals and toxic metals - so it is important we continue to work with the police and local businesses to ensure they are complying with the law.
“Any retailers who continue to sell illegal products will have them confiscated and may face prosecution.”
Concerns have been raised over illegal vaping products following rumours of a ban on single-use vapes by the UK Government. A consultation on vaping and how to tackle under-age usage is expected from the Department of Health and Social Care.
These proposals prompted the Association of Convenience Stores and the Federation of Independent Retailers to warn that a ban could contribute to an increase in the black market economy.
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