Crossbow and £65K worth of cannabis seized in Runcorn raids
They were seized during a coordinated strike on retailers
Last updated 24th Feb 2026
£65,000 worth of cannabis and a crossbow have been seized during raids in Runcorn.
Cheshire Police say a coordinated strike was launched on retailers who were suspected of selling illegal vapes and cigarettes across Runcorn.
The focus was also on targeting those committing immigration offences through the exploitation of vulnerable people in modern-day slavery.
Illicit vapes and cash was seized from three places and a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of illegal working - he has since been released on bail.
Storage unit were also searched, during which six large-vacuum-packed bags were uncovered with an estimated street value of approximately £65,000.
A crossbow and approximately £10,000 in cash were also seized, with a 22-year-old local man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.
Runcorn Neighbourhood Beat Sergeant Lawrence Winstanley said:
"Be under no illusion, the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes is a very serious crime. These products have been smuggled into the UK by organised criminals looking to make quick money, which in turn affects our local law abiding retailers, who follow the rules but cannot compete with the artificially low prices of illegal sellers.
"Not only this, but as these products are not properly regulated, no one knows for certain what they contain. We have found that illegally manufactured and imported products contain unknown, potentially harmful chemicals that can seriously damage the health of consumers.
"We are doing all we can to tackle illegal activity"
"Those involved in illicit activities also often have links to trafficking, organised immigration crime, and modern slavery, which is why we are committed to running regular operations such as this, alongside our local community partners, to identify those involved.
"I hope that the results from today’s operation across Runcorn act both as reassurance to the community that we are doing all we can to tackle illegal activity, and as a warning to those involved to seriously consider their actions."
Cllr Andrea Wall, Halton Borough Council's Executive Board member for Community Safety, said:
"This latest operation in Runcorn continues the Council’s ongoing work with the police and partner agencies, such as the HMRC, to protect the community from the impact of illegal tobacco and vapes.
"Since 2023 the Council has seized over £400,000 worth of illegal tobacco and £70,000 of illegal vapes. The Council's Trading Standards team has already secured closure orders against two premises in Runcorn and four premises in Widnes involved in the sale of illegal tobacco and vape products.
"Illegal tobacco and vapes have no place on the high street in Halton"
"Monday’s operation builds upon that work and will continue to reinforce the message that illegal tobacco and vapes have no place on the high street in Halton. We will continue to take a tough stance to protect our community from the harm, which impacts genuine local businesses, and the health of our community.
"The continued efforts of the team are paying off in Runcorn – this is something we have focused on for some time, and yesterday's operation was business as usual for the team."