£15k of illegal vapes and tobacco seized in Lancaster
- Published
The seizures were made following widespread raids on takeaways, mini-markets and barbers
More than £15,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco have been seized and £235,000 in fines issued after widespread police raids.
Lancashire Police, immigration and trading standards officers visited five premises in Lancaster and Morecambe last week.
They included takeaways, mini-markets and barbers, the force said.
Five people were arrested in suspicion of for working illegally while £4,000 was also seized.
Police said they targeted places suspected of either using illegal workers, housing staff in unsuitable property or selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
Det Sgt Culshaw said: "This operation has been one of our most successful to date in the short amount of time that it ran.
"We have a strong relationship with our partners, which allows for all resources to be put to good use to protect vulnerable people and help disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes."
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