A major multi‑agency operation has led to the seizure of thousands of pounds’ worth of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and e‑cigarettes after officers targeted retailers suspected of criminality and exploitation across Somerset.
Avon and Somerset Police joined forces with North Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team and HM Revenue & Customs for two days of action on 11th and 12th August, visiting 13 retailers including convenience stores and barber shops.
With support from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, officers seized nearly 1,100 packets of cigarettes and 18.4kg of tobacco, either counterfeit or with no duty paid. A specialist tobacco detection dog helped uncover the items and prompted further searches of vehicles linked to suspected offending.
Toys and a number of e‑cigarettes were also removed, with the combined seizures representing an estimated £44,230 loss to those selling the goods illegally. If sold legitimately, the haul would have had a retail value of more than £110,000.
A man has been arrested and bailed on suspicion of supplying counterfeit goods, while Home Office officials arrested and bailed another man on suspicion of immigration offences.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Joshua Osborne said the operation had been “hugely successful” and showed how agencies were working together to ensure businesses operate safely and legally. He said concerns about retailers involved in criminality were regularly raised by the public, adding that officers would continue to take robust action where needed.
Ben Hayes, regional lead for tobacco and vapes at Trading Standards South West, said the haul demonstrated the impact of partnership working. He warned that illegal tobacco is often sold to children at pocket‑money prices, with profits used to fund wider criminal activity that harms communities. Investigations into offences identified in Portishead, Yatton, Nailsea and Weston‑super‑Mare are ongoing.
Anyone with information about illegal tobacco, vapes or underage sales can report concerns to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or anonymously via Trading Standards South West at www.tssw.org.uk/report-it.
