Shops raided and goods seized as part of joint operation tackling illegal tobacco distribution

Multiple shops in Melton and Loughborough were raided yesterday in a joint operation between Police, Immegaration Officials and Trading standards.

A number of cigaretts, vapes and rolling tobacco were seized and investigations are continuing.

In a post on social media Melton Police confirmed that police dogs were also part of the raids.

A Meton Police post said: "Officers have conducted raids on shops suspected of selling illegal tobacco, illegal cigarettes and illegal vapes. This was carried out in both Loughborough and Melton"

"Officers from Trading Standards, Immigration, Leicestershire Police and Search Dogs have all carried out this joint agency working"

PC Shane Sanderson with some of the seized goods. Photo: Leicestershire Police

The shops, which cannot be identified for legal reasons, were raided as part of a joint operation by multiple agencies following tip offs from within the local community.

A Leicestershire County Council spokesperson said: "Leicestershire Trading Standards officers, working with Leicestershire Police, Immigration Enforcement, and a tobacco detection dog team, yesterday carried out visits on a number of shops in Melton and Loughborough suspected of selling illegal tobacco.

During the operation, illegal tobacco and illegal vapes were seized.

Investigations will be carried out on the products seized and appropriate action will be taken. Illegal tobacco includes counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco.  

The operation was planned in response to reports from the community to Trading Standards and the police, and we would encourage people to report any trader selling illegal tobacco."

You can make a report via www.leicestershire.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/trading-standards/report-a-trading-standards-issue/online-reporting-formor call Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133.