Thousands of illegal vapes and cigarettes seized

The raids were carried out after several complaints were received, the council said

Thousands of illicit cigarettes, vapes and tobacco products have been seized from shops across Wolverhampton.

Following a string of complaints, officers said they found 2,280 illicit cigarettes hidden under a floor in one of the raided stores.

They also uncovered 8.1kg (17.9lbs) of banned oral tobacco and snus - a tobacco product in a sachet - and an estimated 550 illicit vapes.

The city council said an investigation to find the suppliers was underway.

During a raid of one of the shops, illegal cigarettes were found hidden under the floor, the council said

The retail value of the vapes seized was estimated to £8,260, the cigarettes about £1,745 and the duty not paid on the cigarettes and oral tobacco would come to more than £2,900, the City of Wolverhampton Council said.

Action was set to be taken against the owners of premises where the material was seized, they added.