Vapes, cash and cigarettes seized by police

In total, £4,000 in cash, 1,200 vapes, 94,000 cigarettes, 20kg of shisha and 46 pouches of tobacco were seized

Vapes, illicit tobacco and cash have been seized during a police operation in Kent.

Officers targeted three shops in Dartford and Gravesend suspected of selling the unregulated products.

In total, £4,000 in cash, more than 1,200 vapes, 94,000 cigarettes, 20kg of shisha and 46 pouches of tobacco were recovered.

Insp Lee Cheesman said: “The sale of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes poses a serious health risk to consumers and affects the trade of law-abiding businesses.”

Police found false walls in two of the businesses which concealed some products, while a third shop had items stored in wheelie bins in a garden.

Two people were also dealt with for immigration offences, police said.

Mr Cheesman added: “These results show just how prevalent this issue is and the lengths to which some shop owners will allegedly go to conceal products and avoid detection.

“This operation will be repeated in the future.”

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