Multi-agency raids in Swansea: 9 vape shops ordered to suspend operations over illegal sales and counterfeit tobacco

Key Points：
 

· Scale of Joint Enforcement: Swansea, Wales Trading Standards, with support from police, HMRC, and Home Office immigration officers, carried out a three-day special operation, “Operation Ceecee & Marvel.”

· Outcomes: Fourteen shops were raided; nine were temporarily closed. Eleven people were arrested and five vehicles linked to the trade were seized.

· Seized Goods: Authorities confiscated 2,292 vapes, 971 cartons of cigarettes, and 970 packs of rolling tobacco, all slated for lawful destruction.

· Priority Shops & Prior Case: Closures covered multiple locations including St Helen’s Road. The operator of Bob Marley Vapes had earlier this year pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court to selling illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco, forming part of the ongoing local enforcement context.

· Judicial & Policy Context: Two shops have been ordered by the court to close for up to three months. Since 1 June 2025, the UK has imposed a nationwide ban on disposable (“single-use”) vapes; compliant reusable devices remain permitted but must meet safety and labelling requirements.

2Firsts, 9 October 2025 — Citing a report by SwanseaBay News on 8 October, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards—assisted by South Wales Police, HM Revenue & Customs, and Home Office immigration officers—conducted a three-day joint operation targeting shops suspected of selling illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco, and imposed temporary closure measures on nine vape retailers citywide.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Ceecee & Marvel,” involved inspections of 14 premises, resulting in nine closures, 11 arrests, and the seizure of five vehicles linked to the trade. On site, officers seized 2,292 vapes, 971 cartons of cigarettes, and 970 packs of rolling tobacco, all to be destroyed.

Shops ordered to close included several on St Helen’s Road, such as Bob Marley Vapes, Asia Vapes, and Kubus Vapes, as well as World of Vapes (Pontarddulais), Crystal Vapes (Gorseinon), Morriston Mini Market, Monsoon Vapes (Morriston), Snoop Vapes, and Bob CBD Vapes in the city centre.

Earlier this year, the operator of Bob Marley Vapes pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court to offences involving illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco—part of an ongoing enforcement sequence by Trading Standards.

Reports indicate that two shops have already been ordered by the local court to close for up to three months, with further cases expected to be heard over the coming week.

Swansea Council officials said intelligence about illegal products being sold to consumers—including minors—has risen markedly in recent years, and that the operation sends a clear message on lawful trading and consumer safety. South Wales Police stressed that counterfeit tobacco and non-compliant vapes are illegal, may pose direct health risks, and can be linked to organised crime.

Since 1 June 2025, the UK has implemented a nationwide ban on disposable (“single-use”) vapes, making their sale or supply—online or offline—unlawful. The policy is aligned with efforts to curb youth vaping and reduce environmental waste. Reusable, refillable devices are not covered by the ban but must still comply with product safety and labelling rules.

Cover image: Swansea Bay News