Large haul of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized

Humberside Police said it was carrying out "test purchasing" to identify premises selling illegal products (generic image)

A "large haul" of illegal cigarettes and vapes have been seized after raids on two premises in Hull.

Trading Standards officers and police recovered counterfeit and illicit tobacco products from stores on Inglemire Lane and Beverley Road on Wednesday.

Class B drugs, along with a large quantity of illegal contraband, were also found in a vehicle at the Beverley Road premises, officers said.

Humberside Police said it was carrying out "test purchasing" to identify premises not complying with licensing legislation, or selling illegal products.

Neighbourhood beat officer, PC Jamie McMahon, said: "Operations such as these, have been known to fund organised crime groups, with connections to modern-day slavery, human trafficking and even criminal child and sexual exploitation.

“When you buy these products, you could also be putting your own health at risk," he said, adding that counterfeit tobacco products often contained "all kinds of harmful substances".

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