Illegal and toxic cigarettes seized in central Southend after trading standards and police operation
Essex Police and Southend Council Trading Standards raided premises across the city
Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes have been seized in central Southend following a joint operation by Essex Police and Southend Council Trading Standards.
Officers seized illegal items worth nearly £25,000 at several shops.
The cigarettes were found to be either counterfeit or ‘cheap whites’ which are manufactured in Asia and the Middle East and have been proven to contain very poor-quality tobacco and toxic substances, such as rat poison and asbestos. All the hand rolling tobacco seized was found to be counterfeit versions of popular brands such as Golden Virginia.
Also seized were vaping devices that should not be legally sold in the UK and soft toys, such as Labubu dolls, which do not adhere to UK toy safety regulations.
The items were being sold at vastly reduced prices when compared to legitimate products, and were undermining responsible local businesses.
Officers also searched vehicles near the city centre, discovering large quantities of illegal tobacco products that were being distributed to the shops nearby. Some of the vehicles had no road tax and MOT and were seized by Essex Police.
A council Trading Standards spokesperson said: “This operation sends a clear message: illegal and unsafe products have no place in Southend. Our officers, working alongside Essex Police, have removed tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of dangerous cigarettes, tobacco, vapes and counterfeit toys from our streets — items that put people’s health at risk and undermine honest local businesses.
"We will continue to take bold and decisive action against anyone selling or supplying illegal goods. If you choose to break the law, expect firm enforcement, but for everyone else, our aim is simple: to help keep Southend safe and support the businesses who play by the rules.”