Illegal tobacco and vapes seized from shop

Trading Standards said sellers often undercut legitimate businesses and target children

Police have seized £7,500 worth of suspected illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes from a shop in Devon.

The haul from premises in Newton Abbot, included 529 packs of cigarettes, 414 pouches of tobacco, and more than 30 non-UK compliant vapes.

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards which was involved with Devon and Cornwall Police in the operation, said sellers of these products often undercut legitimate businesses and targeted children.

"We will continue to target them based on intelligence received from consumers, legitimate businesses, or partner agencies," said operations manager Alex Fry.

'Information is essential'

Sgt Joe Downton, who led the operation on 28 January, said: "These types of illegal goods aren't regulated, which means they don't go through the usual safety procedures required by law."

Insp James Johnson urged the public to report any suspected illegal activity.

"We can't know everything and we can't be everywhere all the time, your information is essential," he said.

Concerns can be reported to Trading Standards via email at [e-mail] or by phone at 01392 383000.