Police officers seize counterfeit goods from Wolverhampton shops.

Police officers in Wolverhampton have carried out a number of coordinated visits following concerns about shop-linked crime.

In these visits, police seized thousands of suspected counterfeit cigarettes and cannabis products in Wolverhampton.

Working in partnership with Wolverhampton Trading Standards, police officers in the area were able to seize lots of counterfeit goods.

These goods included: thousands of counterfeit cigarettes inside barbeque sets as well as suspected cannabis/CBD sweets.

Then, at a shop in the city centre last week.

West Midlands Police had found a 17-year-old boy working behind the counter, they seized suspected counterfeit goods and also took 10-15 cannabis/CBD products.

Then at another shop, officers took a car which contained 20,000 suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products. The owner is being investigated.

In addition to this, in a flat linked to the store, several people were found to be living, with two arrested on immigration matters.

Police said a prohibition notice has also been placed on the flat.

Det Insp Lee Medlam from Wolverhampton's Priority Team, said: "We want to make sure the shops that are in our communities are there to serve and benefit their communities.

"But if we have reason to believe there is illegal activity going on, be it the sale of illegal cigarettes, vapes or other counterfeit goods, we will act.

"Such activity is often linked to serious organised crime including exploitation of vulnerable people, as well as violence and anti-social behaviour and we are working closely with our partners across the city to bring those involved in this criminality to justice."

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “We are proud of our dedicated work with colleagues from West Midlands Police to tackle the sales of illicit products including cigarettes and vapes.

“The sale of these items is a problem across the whole of the country and Wolverhampton is no different, but the partnership action we are taking is having a real impact in the city.

“We are determined to identify those responsible for selling these illicit products and hold them to account. By working together we are safeguarding our legitimate businesses and protecting the health of our residents.”