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Illegal tobacco and vapes seized in Ipswich and Stowmarket raids

Trading Standards officers have seized more than 1,200 packets of tobacco and 270 vapes in raids on two shops in Ipswich and Stowmarket. A specially trained sniffer dog helped uncover the illegal goods.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Oliver Rouane-Williams

— 2 min read
Packets of cigarettes hidden in a wall

The big picture: The raids were part of Operation CeCe, a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to disrupt illegal tobacco trading.

Trading Standards officers have seized more than 1,200 packets of tobacco and 270 vapes
Trading Standards officers have seized more than 1,200 packets of tobacco and 270 vapes (Suffolk Trading Standards)
Packets of cigarettes hidden in a wall
Several tobacco products are believed to be counterfeits of popular brands (Suffolk Trading Standards)
Illegal vapes
Illegal vapes were seized as part of the raids (Suffolk Trading Standards)

Why it matters: The seized products are suspected to be illegally imported without duty being paid and don't comply with legal packaging requirements. Several tobacco products are believed to be counterfeits of popular brands.

The details:

  • Sniffer dog Skye from Wagtail UK Limited uncovered hundreds of concealed packets
  • Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service assisted in accessing hidden storage
  • Ipswich and Stowmarket Police supported the operation
  • Products will be assessed to determine exact offences committed
Sky assisted police and trading standards with the operation
Sky assisted police and trading standards with the operation (Suffolk Trading Standards)

What's next: Trading Standards will investigate the seized items to determine appropriate action.

The bottom line: Residents can report illegal tobacco sales through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

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