Folkestone and Hythe: Vapes and illegal tobacco seized

Detection dog Cooper helped sniff out the items

Authorities in Kent seized illegal tobacco goods including vapes in a "day of disruption" in Folkestone and Hythe.

Officers from trading standards, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and Kent Police said a "significant" quantity of illegal goods were seized.

They were supported by specialist search dogs, including detection dog Cooper, who helped sniff out the items.

Officers said illegal products brought "organised crime into communities" and could pose a threat to public safety.

Seven outlets were visited, and at five of them illegal tobacco products were seized, including vapes.

James Whiddett, operations manager for Kent Trading Standards, said: "The use of Cooper the detection dog was extremely helpful as some premises use sophisticated hides for the illegal product that only Cooper can find.

"Trading Standards will continue to remove illegal tobacco from the high streets of Kent as this illegal activity brings criminals into our communities and can encourage children to smoke due to the cheap price of the products."

Det Insp James Wyles, from Kent Police's Community Safety Unit, said: "The sale of illegal vaping and tobacco products brings organised crime into communities and undermines local legitimate businesses.

"They can also pose a serious threat to public safety."