Weymouth: Trading Standards seize illegal 18,000 cigarettes

As reported, Dorset Council's Trading Standard team led an operation in Weymouth at the end of last month which saw several stores raided, including Amsterdam Market on the Esplanade, and Global Store on Westham Road.

The two premises were found to be in possession of a large quantity of suspected illegal vapes, cigarettes, and hand rolling tobacco.

Tobacco and vapes being seized from Amsterdam Market in Weymouth (Image: Alfie Lumb)

Trading Standards has now revealed what was seized.

In total, the team seized around 1,000 vapes, more than 18,000 cigarettes, and almost 7kg of hand rolling tobacco.

A vehicle was also seized from each premises, as they were found to contain suspected illegal goods. No illegal goods were found at a third premises.

Locals in the area had been left shocked at the time as Global Store had only recently 'sprung up' within a week of the raid happening. 

Officers from Dorset Police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the regional Trading Standards illegal tobacco and vapes officer and B.W.Y Canine dogs Cooper, Griff and Maggie were deployed in the raids.

The multi-agency operation on Tuesday March 26 was in response to intelligence about the sale of illegal vapes, tobacco, and cigarettes at these premises.

Ben Hayes, regional Trading Standards illegal tobacco and vapes officer, said: “It’s vital that we recognise the importance of intelligence, and we thank members of the public for taking the time to report this information to us.

"Without this, these multi agency operations aren’t as successful.  The sale and supply of illegal tobacco funds organised crime and harms your communities.

"Vaping is less harmful than smoking and can play a role in helping adult smokers to quit. But the message is clear, if you don't smoke, don't vape – and children should never vape.”

Officers searched and seized a car at Global Store on Westham Road (Image: Alfie Lumb)

Vapes and e-cigarettes are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which places restrictions on how much nicotine they can contain, and what other chemicals can be used.

They also stipulate that child-resistant packaging is used, and health and safety warnings are clearly displayed.

However, many of the devices seized by Trading Standards teams flout these rules, and there are concerns that some may be designed specifically to appeal to children and young people.

Anna Eastgate, corporate director for place services at Dorset Council, said: “These vital multi-agency operations are designed to disrupt and frustrate the supply of illegal products, which harms the health of Dorset residents and the interests of legitimate businesses.

"I’d like to thank our colleagues at Dorset Police, the HMRC, and the regional Trading Standards illegal tobacco and vapes officer, for a job well done.”

Suspected illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco being seized in Weymouth during a multi agency raid (Image: Dorset Police)

Trading Standards work closely with other enforcement agencies to protect the health of Dorset residents and the interests of legitimate Dorset businesses.

HMRC estimates that the illicit market in tobacco duty and related VAT was £2.8 billion in 2021 to 2022 in the UK.

The proceeds of this crime are suspected to fund the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and even human beings across the globe.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Goom, of Weymouth and Portland Police, added: “We are working closely with our partners in Trading Standards to target the illicit sale of illegal vapes and tobacco – most of which end up being used by young people.

"We will continue to work hard to protect our community from the dangers of these illegal items. This day of action demonstrates our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who offer these items for sale within Weymouth.”