Fake goods seized from Bury shops in multi-agency raid

Illicit goods with a street value of £37,500 have been seized from Bury shops in a two-day operation.

Bury Council joined forces with Greater Manchester Police and officers from the immigration service in the raids.

They confiscated 447 vapes, 196 toys/keyrings, 168 packs of hand-rolling tobacco (8.4kg), and 1,713 packs of cigarettes.

Officers visited a number of premises, maonly in Bury but also in Prestwich, such as newsagents, vape shops, convenience stores, off-licences and barbershops.

The fake toys seized were counterfeit and unsafe labubu dolls.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “This operation shows that we will take action against retailers who break the law and sell illegal tobacco and counterfeit goods.

“I would also urge residents not to buy these products. It’s unfair on law-abiding traders, and these ‘cheap’ purchases actually cause harm to the local community by bringing in crime.”

Inspector Kevin Wright of Bury’s neighbourhood team said: “Thanks to intelligence from members of the community, together with our work with Trading Standards, we have successfully removed over £37,000 worth of illicit vapes, tobacco and toys from shops across Bury.

“During the visits, we found numerous inventive hiding places, including secret panels in bathroom walls, false ceilings and behind boxes of cereal displayed on shelves. We are committed to removing illegal substances from premises as well as targeting those which may be linked to anti-social behaviour.

“Our communities should feel safe where they live and work; and, as part of our ongoing Safe4Summercampaign, we will continue to target problem premises alongside our partners from Bury Council and other agencies over the rest of the year. Please continue to report any concerns to ourselves via our website or by calling 101. You can also report things anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 8 August 2025.