Police seized 90000 cigarettes, 300 vapes, and 10kg of tobacco in Lincolnshire. Eight shops in Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding were raided.
Earlier this week, Lincolnshire Police found illicit cigarettes at Nida Express, a shop located on Winsover Road in Spalding. They uncovered over 40,000 illegal cigarettes hidden within the premises.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the team raided eight shops in Spalding and Boston. Raids included Max Mini Market and a Holbeach store, while the Spalding shops remain open.
Police took over 90,000 cigarettes from Boston stores, along with seizing 300 vapes and ten kilos of tobacco. The stores involved included American Vape, Boston Shop, The Vape Centre, Boston Food Market, and Bode.
Inspector Cotton stated that the raids will lead to future leads and vowed to disrupt the criminals behind the trade. He aims to find key players involved in the illicit goods trade, highlighting the impact on the local community and beyond.
He noted that illicit product sales and anti-social behavior are challenging, emphasizing the positive impact of their efforts. Shops selling illegal or fake goods could face closure, as the trade presents public health and crime risks.
The criminal activity also encompasses tax evasion and illegal workers, and can potentially involve illegal entry to the UK. Lincolnshire is a leader in partnership work, ensuring they will disrupt this criminality aligning with police priorities.
A 50-year-old man was arrested at American Vape on West Street in Boston, facing property and trademark crimes. He was subsequently released during the investigation.
The Boston seizure included ‘super vapes’, which are the largest illegal vapes police have encountered. Each vape contains nicotine equivalent to 375 cigarettes, and this is particularly concerning to police as targeted shops are more likely to sell to those under 18.
The operation involved officers from various teams, including the Neighborhood Policing Units and Alcohol Licensing, while Lincolnshire County Council and Home Office Immigration also took part. They utilized a tobacco dog and handler from Wagtail UK.
Trading Standards is conducting criminal investigations, focusing on shop workers and business owners higher up the chain. Many of the cigarettes were determined to be fake. Selling illegal cigarettes can result in a ten-year prison sentence and a fine, and one arrest helped gather essential information.
Trading Standards will seek closure orders on shops selling illegal tobacco products. Landlords will receive a formal letter from Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police regarding the illegal activity occurring at their property.
The objective is to remove problem tenants while the order is active. The letter details the criminal activity at the property, emphasizing that the rent money is also derived from criminal activity.
Landlords could face liability if they ignore warnings and continue to receive money from criminal activity. Andy Wright stated that these shops exist solely to sell illegal items and would not be viable without these sales.
He added that law-abiding businesses have been forced out of business due to unfair competition. He also noted that the shops are located in high-risk crime areas, where women feel at risk, and businesses based on crime exacerbate the situation.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards employs a unique and effective plan that is being replicated nationwide. They anticipate continued action in the future.