UK Operation CeCe scores another win against illegal vaping trade, 121 illegal e-cigarettes seized

Following public reports, the Wolverhampton City Council's trading standards team conducted surprise inspections at several licensed and unlicensed premises.

Assisted by specially trained detection dog Bran, illegal tobacco products were discovered, including 1,104 illegal cigarettes, 121 illegal e-cigarettes, and some hand-rolled tobacco with foreign labels. Additionally, 29 packets of illegal drugs with foreign labels were seized.

At a local venue without a liquor sales license, 18 cans of foreign beer, 33 bottles of wine with foreign labels, and 72 liters of liquid believed to be alcohol were found. These products had not paid taxes.

If these tobacco/alcohol products are genuine, their retail value is estimated at £3,500, with a tax evasion amount of over £1,000.

Action will be taken against the owners of the premises where illegal items were seized, and further investigations will be conducted to identify their suppliers.

This surprise inspection was conducted under the framework of the "CeCe Operation," an initiative in collaboration between the national trading standards office and the tax customs authority aimed at combating illegal tobacco trade.