Lancashire police seize thousands of pounds worth of illicit cigarettes in major operation
Operation Wanderstar targets illegal activities across the county
Lancashire police have seized thousands of pounds worth of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit goods during Operation Wanderstar, an initiative targeting businesses suspected of illegal activities across the county.
Officers, alongside Lancashire Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement, and HMRC, visited 30 premises in various locations, including Preston, Chorley, South Ribble, Blackburn, Pendle, Blackpool, Morecambe, Lytham, and Thornton-Cleveleys.
Significant quantities of illicit cigarettes, tobacco products, and counterfeit goods were discovered in hidden compartments, aided by the use of tobacco detection dogs. As a result, several closure notices and cease-and-desist orders were issued to businesses linked to the illegal sales.
On Tuesday 13th October, operations in Blackburn and Pendle led to the seizure of hundreds of packets of illegal goods, hormone replacement therapies, and counterfeit items. Notably, two closure notices were issued, with four more orders pending.
The following day, warrants were executed at Marsden Mini Market in Blackpool, and seizures were made at other locations, including Blue Vape in Morecambe and multiple shops in Lytham and Blackpool. Closure orders were verbally served at several establishments.
Thursday 15th October saw further seizures in Preston, Lostock Hall, Leyland, Bamber Bridge, and Chorley. Shop Locally in Dickson Road, Big Saver in Preston, and Supercigs in Chorley were among the targeted locations, with Trading Standards dogs instrumental in detecting hidden contraband.
Operation Wanderstar aligns with the National Crime Agency’s Operation Machinize, a national campaign aimed at disrupting cash laundering activities in the UK.
Detective Inspector Jo Collinson from Lancashire's Economic Crime Unit emphasised the priority of tackling businesses that break the law for financial gain, stating that their actions undermine legitimate businesses and risk customer safety by selling substandard products.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected illegal activities to the police, either online via the Lancashire Police website or by calling 101.