Illegal tobacco, vapes and counterfeit goods seized in North Northamptonshire
The estimated street value of items seized during enforcement activity and the vehicle search is in excess of £75,000
Officers from Northamptonshire Police have seized thousands of illegal cigarettes, tobacco products and vapes as part of a multi-agency crackdown on the sale of illicit goods across North Northamptonshire.
Operation Jackgate saw neighbourhood officers from Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby work alongside North Northamptonshire Council’s Trading Standards team.
They carrid out enforcement activity at a number of premises in Wellingborough, Corby and Kettering on 26 and 27 April 2026.
Across the two days of action, illegal and non-compliant goods were recovered, including:
- 99,325 illegal cigarettes
- 41.95kg of hand rolling tobacco
- 273 single use vapes
- Counterfeit nicotine products and other non-compliant goods
Following the Trading Standards activity, police say a vehicle linked to shops in Wellingborough was stopped and searched, where a further quantity of illegal tobacco and cigarettes was recovered and seized.
The estimated street value of items seized during enforcement activity and the vehicle search is in excess of £75,000.
Sergeant Curtis Chambers said:
“Operation Jackgate demonstrates the strong partnership working between Northamptonshire Police and Trading Standards to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and related products.
“These items are often linked to wider criminality and can undermine legitimate businesses as well as pose potential risks to public health.
“We will continue to act on information provided by the public and take robust action against those involved.”