Bury Council's Trading Standards Service has carried out a major intelligence-led enforcement operation targeting the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vaping products and other unlawful goods across the borough.
The operation follows the recent Council motion committing Bury to a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal tobacco and vape sales, in so-called 'dodgy shops'. The enforcement activity demonstrates the Council's determination to turn that commitment into action and protect residents, legitimate businesses and public health.
Working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Trading Standards officers, and the Council's newly appointed Tobacco and Vape Apprentice Enforcement Officer, a series of targeted inspections were undertaken at eight retail premises across the borough.
Supporting the operation was specialist tobacco detection dog Grace from Wagtail UK, whose highly trained detection capabilities assist officers in locating concealed tobacco products hidden within sophisticated hiding places, including purpose-built concealments and "hide" systems commonly used by offenders.
The intelligence-led visits resulted in a number of significant detections and seizures.
Illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from four separate premises, including 397 packets of cigarettes, 51 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco, and 127 vapes. Officers also seized a quantity of counterfeit and potentially unsafe children's "squishie" toys from a fifth premises. These products are often not subject to appropriate safety testing and can present risks to children. The estimated total street value of goods and £8500 with further assessment being undertaken as part of ongoing investigations.
Whilst officers identified illicit products at a number of premises, the operation also found good levels of compliance at several businesses visited, with most local retailers operating responsibly and within the law.
These seizures represent only the beginning of a substantial programme of follow-up activity. Investigations are now underway to establish supply chains, identify individuals responsible and determine what further enforcement action may be appropriate.
Bury Council remains committed to using the full range of available investigatory and enforcement powers and will continue to work closely with GMP and other enforcement agencies to tackle criminality linked to illicit tobacco and vape sales.
The sale of illicit tobacco undermines legitimate local businesses, facilitates organised criminal activity, reduces tax revenues, crowds out legitimate high street businesses and makes tobacco products more accessible and affordable, particularly to young people.
Councillor Gavin McGill, Cabinet Member for Culture and Economy, said:
"Bury Council has made a clear commitment through its recent motion that there will be zero tolerance towards the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products in our communities.
"This operation demonstrates that commitment in action. Working closely with our Trading Standards team, Greater Manchester Police and specialist partners such as Wagtail UK, we are actively targeting those who seek to profit from illegal sales whilst undermining legitimate local businesses.
"I am particularly pleased to see our new Tobacco and Vape Apprentice Officer taking part in this important work, helping us build future enforcement capacity while protecting our residents today.
"The message is simple. If you are involved in the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes or counterfeit goods in Bury, you should expect enforcement action. These visits are not a one-off exercise. They form part of an ongoing programme of intelligence-led investigations and enforcement activity.
"Our zero-tolerance approach supports honest traders, protects our high streets and town centres, and helps reduce the significant harm that illegal tobacco and vaping products can cause to public health."
Residents are encouraged to report concerns about the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vaping products or counterfeit goods through the Council's Trading Standards Service or anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. All intelligence received is assessed and may be used to support future enforcement operations.
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