A ‘large amount’ of illegal vapes and tobacco were seized by Trading Standards in raids to several shops, police confirmed.

This follows news from yesterday morning (Wednesday, March 26) after Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with Trading Standards and HMRC completed a multi-agency visit to several shops in the Weymouth area.

According to the police, this was after intelligence was received that shops were selling illegal vapes and tobacco.

Trading Standards Dogs Cooper, Griff and Maggie were deployed to assist officers in locating a large quantity of vapes and tobacco which were then seized by Trading Standards.

Dorset Echo: Amsterdam Market on the Esplanade was the first shop to be targeted at around 10.30am, where members of the operation were seen loading products into clear bags before taking out large amounts of vapes and tobacco.

The operation then moved on to the Global Store on Westham Road, where a smaller amount of items were seen to be seized.

The Echo understands that another shop was visited during the operation, however nothing was seized.

Dorset Police have released pictures and advice over what appears to be a spark plug seized in the raid, however this is designed to ‘conceal items’ being sold at the shop.

Dorset Echo: A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We are urging parents to be inquisitive around such items that are located in children's bedroom and to encourage conversations around why they would have this item.

“If you have any concerns, please contact Dorset Police via 101 or via our website.”

For more information, or to raise concerns, visit: https://orlo.uk/HZH1W