Sussex Police has seized over 64,000 illegal cigarettes and more than 14 kg of illicit tobacco from sellers in Bognor Town Centre since May this year.
Its latest crackdown on illegal trade in the area in partnership with Trading Standards saw hundreds of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes removed off the streets.
Officers noticed a man unloading the goods from a vehicle on 1 June.
The force said he was preparing to sell the goods illegally.
Officers approached him, confiscated all the goods and reported him to licensing teams.
A cocker spaniel helped sniff out a stash of 451 vapes, 758 cigarette packets, and 175 tobacco pouches from L&B Market store in Leighton Buzzard on 13 June.
Central Bedfordshire Council said there was persistent reports that illegal goods had been sold minors.
In response, Luton Magistrate’s Court approved a three-month closure.
“This action sends a strong message that we will not tolerate the sale of illegal or harmful products in our communities. Businesses that break the law and put young people at risk have no place in Central Bedfordshire,” said Councillor John Baker, executive member responsible for public protection.
In Worcestershire, more than 400 illegal vapes with an estimated street value of £3,500 were seized from Ruberry Express on 9 June.
Approximately half of the vapes seized were single use, reported West Mercia Police.
The force said the store had been warned previously that they were prohibited from sale as of 1 June 2025.
Trading Standards officers from Staffordshire County Council seized illegal vapes, illicit tobacco and cigarettes during raids in Newcastle.
Officers supported by Staffordshire Police and specialist search dogs made the discovery during raids at three premises on 4 June.
Items with an estimated retail value of £9,294 were seized including 5,460 cigarettes, 2.75kg of hand rolling tobacco and 431 illegal, oversized or banned vapes.
The action was part of Operation CeCe and Operation Joseph, both national initiatives to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.
In Wales, Newport City Council successfully served 27 stores with three month closure orders after they were found to be selling illegal goods.
Over the last six months, the council’s Trading Standards team has targeted those selling illegal tobacco and vape products.
Officers have seized more than 10,000 vapes, over 250,000 cigarettes and near 75kg of hand rolling tobacco.
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