More than £1m of illegal vapes and cigarettes seized in Manchester crackdown
Police have been targeting illicit tobacco and counterfeit goods
More than £1 million worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes and counterfeit goods have been seized from shops across Manchester over the past 12 months.
The seizures are the result of Operation Elswick, a joint effort between Manchester City Council's Trading Standards team and Greater Manchester Police.
The operation has recovered at least £275,000 of illegal cigarettes, some of which were hidden behind hydraulic false walls, ceilings and floors.
Officers also seized £162,000 of illegal vapes, £160,000 of shisha, £97,000 of hand-rolling tobacco and £211,000 of other counterfeit goods.
Greater Manchester Police seized a further £126,000 of goods directly as part of the operation.
Operation Elswick brings together Greater Manchester Police's district intelligence team, Trading Standards, Manchester City Council and detection dog unit WagTail.
Referrals have also been made to HMRC as part of what the partners describe as a joined-up approach to tackling the trade long-term.
The operation was launched after intelligence pointed to a persistent and growing problem with illicit tobacco and counterfeit goods across the City of Manchester.
Several shops have been referred to HMRC, where they face potential fines of up to £10,000.
A number of premises are also now subject to closure notices following repeat offending, according to Greater Manchester Police.
City of Manchester Detective Chief Inspector Chris Woodburn said the operation had involved close working between the force's Central District Intelligence Unit, neighbourhood policing teams and Trading Standards.
"Seizures have now totalled over £1m which we know will have a massive impact on illegal operations in the area and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this," Chris Woodburn said.
"Our work in this area will continue as we are committed to tackling the issue of illegal vapes and cigarettes which fund wider crime and harm public health," he said.
"I would encourage the public to pass on any information relating to sales to CrimeStoppers which can be done anonymously by called 0800 555 111," he said.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said the operation had shown what could be achieved through partnership working.
"We have made significant strides in disrupting criminal networks that profit from selling illicit, substandard, and potentially dangerous goods across our communities," Basat Sheikh said.
"Seizing over £1m worth of illegal products is a major milestone and a testament to the dedication of officers from both organisations. We will continue this relentless work to protect our residents, support legitimate local businesses, and keep Manchester safe," he said.