£30,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in Sandwell Council and police raids
Thousands of pounds-worth of illegal tobacco and vaping products have been seized from a property in Rowley Regis as part of an ongoing campaign to protect public health.
Members of Sandwell Council Trading Standards working in collaboration with Sandwell Police to search a property in the town and uncovered more than £30,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
The raid on the property, which happened this week, saw officers uncover the illicit goods, which were hidden in a range of inventive ways, including a false wall panel secured with electro-magnetic locks and behind a bathroom mirror.
Sandwell Council said the operation, which is part of the Safer 6 initiative, was part of a continued crack down on the sale of illegal tobacco products and as a way of protecting public health and safety.
A spokesman for Sandwell Council said: "As part of our Safer 6 initiative in Rowley Regis this week, our Trading Standards officers, in collaboration with Sandwell Police and tobacco search dogs provided by BWY Canine, seized more than £30,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
"This intelligence-led raid uncovered illicit goods concealed using highly sophisticated methods, including a false wall panel secured with electro-magnetic locks, behind a bathroom mirror and a sliding shelf inside a metal security door.
"Despite these efforts to avoid detection, with the use of specialist tobacco dogs, there is no hiding.
"The operation highlights the continued commitment of the council and police to crack down on the sale of illegal products and protect public health and safety.
"Local councillors also joined officers for the operation Criminal investigations are ongoing, which could lead to subsequent prosecutions and/or closure orders."
