Joint Operation with Trading Standards - IIIicit Tobacco and vapes seized

Church Street Safer Neighbourhood Team supported Westminster Trading Standards during a planned operation targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes in the area. A significant quantity of non-compliant products was seized and removed from circulation.

These joint visits help protect the community from unsafe goods and ensure local businesses are operating within the law.

Product seized:

26 packets of illicit cigarettes

174 disposable vapes (these were banned 10 months ago)

3 unsafe travel adapters

46 herbal smoking products which did not display the correct health warnings on them (likely to be non duty paid too)

2 packets of henna which were not labelled correctly as a cosmetic product

5 single cigarettes – they were being sold for £1 each

Value: approx. £2,500+

If you have concerns about illegal tobacco or vape sales, or any other non UK/EU non compliant product please speak with your local officers or report anonymously.

These are the steps:

Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133

When reporting include:

You don't have to give your personal details if you don't want to