More than £75,000 of illegal tobacco and vapes have been seized in Essex as part of a major operation targeting high street retailers.
A total of 36 shops - across Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Chelmsford, Basildon and Braintree - were targeted last month by Operation Machinize, a national initiative tackling the criminal exploitation of high street businesses.
Illegal tobacco was uncovered in over 80% of locations inspected, while illicit single-use vapes were discovered in half of the stores, reported Essex County Council.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 116,000 cigarettes, over 54kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 4,300 illegal or non-compliant vapes. Officers also seized an uninsured vehicle and £6,000 in cash.
The operation was led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in partnership with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and involved every UK police force, as well as Regional Organised Crime Units, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House.
Councillor Mark Durham, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Essex County Council, said: “This result sends a clear message to illicit tobacco and vape sellers that we will work with partners to act on intelligence and crack down on the trade.
“These products are not only illegal, they’re often unsafe and sold to children. I want to thank our Trading Standards officers and partners for their hard work. They are helping keep people safe and protect local businesses.”
Rachael Herbert, director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, said: “Operation Machinize targets businesses on our high street that are being used as cover for a wide range of criminality, making our communities less safe and less prosperous.
“These excellent results demonstrate what can be achieved in partnership and show the determination of UK law enforcement to keep our communities safe.”
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