Thousands of Illegal E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes Seized in West Yorkshire

Sep.29.2024
Thousands of Illegal E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes Seized in West Yorkshire
Thousands of illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes seized in West Yorkshire Police crackdown, potentially linked to organized crime.

According to a report from West Yorkshire Police on September 26, British authorities seized thousands of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products in their latest crackdown operation.

Thousands of Illegal E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes Seized in West Yorkshire
The West Yorkshire Police in the United Kingdom seized around 2000 to 3000 illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes. | Image source: West Yorkshire Police official website.


This week, officers from the Batley and Spen Community Police team, along with officials from the West Yorkshire Trading Standards, conducted a raid on a shop in the town center of Birstall. Following the execution of a search warrant, police and officials seized around 2,000 to 3,000 illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The seized e-cigarette products were suspected to bear the label "HAYATI" and many of these illegal e-cigarettes contained higher levels of nicotine than normal legal products. The proceeds from the sale of these illegal e-cigarettes have become a significant source of income for organized crime.


This operation is one of several similar actions taken so far in 2024, aimed at reducing the potential sources of income for organized crime.


Bartley and Spen Community Police Team Officer Charlotte Nicholls stated,


Evidence has shown that funds from illegal e-cigarette and tobacco sales are often used to finance organized crime, and that these illegal products pose a greater risk to public health.


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