More than 2,000 illegal cigarettes seized in Walsall after man falls ill from smoking
A police joint operation saw 2,000 illegal cigarettes seized from stores in Walsall.
Officers from West Midlands Police and St Matthew’s neighbourhood policing team carried out the operation with Walsall Council's Trading Standards team last week to target stores in Walsall selling the illegal cigarettes and vapes.
The operation took place following intelligence relating to the sale and from a man who the force said had knowingly purchased fake cigarettes from a local shop and had become unwell due to side effects from smoking them.
Sargent Nick Peachey, St Matthew’s neighbourhood policing supervisor, said: “We carried out a joint operation to target the stores that sold these harmful products.
"Cigarettes were seized in the operation and we continue to work together with our partners to target the illegal and dangerous sale of these goods.
“I would welcome any information relating to the illegal sale of cigarettes, vapes, alcohol or other fake goods.
"Please contact us on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."
