Joint Action by Lancashire Council and Police Against Illegal Tobacco

According to a recent report by the British media Lancashire Telegraph, officials from the Trading Standards Department of Lancashire County Council, along with the Lancashire Police, seized approximately £9,000 worth of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes in a joint operation based on reports from residents in Nelson. A total of 588 packages were confiscated. The police emphasized that once the investigation is concluded, they may press charges in this case.

Lancashire County Council's Health and Wellbeing Cabinet member, Councillor Michael Green, stated:

Our team is working hand in hand with the police to take swift action on the e-cigarette reported by residents to protect our youth from illegal sales. Protecting the health of Lancaster County residents is crucial to us. Our trade standards team will continue to seize illegal tobacco and non-compliant e-cigarettes, and take necessary enforcement actions against businesses that continue to violate the law.

Sergeant Steve Dundon of the county police said, "We will continue to collaborate to combat shops selling illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products. This behavior not only brings organized crime to our community but also disrupts the legitimate operations of businesses. These illicit products, because of their low prices, may very well tempt children to start smoking."

Finally, the department is urging local residents to call the citizen hotline to report illegal sellers who are selling counterfeit goods, selling tobacco or e-cigarettes to minors under 18, or selling counterfeit e-cigarettes.