Vapes, tobacco and cigarettes worth £24k seized in Northants

The items seized included vapes, tobacco and illegal cigarettes

Hundreds of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco products have been seized in anti-smuggling police raids.

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) said four premises in Rushden, Northamptonshire, were searched as part of the operation.

The estimated value of the goods was estimated at more than £24,500, the council said.

Northamptonshire Police said illicit tobacco products posed a risk to health and to legitimate businesses.

Officers from NNC Trading Standards and Licensing Department raided the properties with Northamptonshire Police in response to complaints from the public and intelligence.

The haul consisted of 111 packets of hand rolling tobacco, 866 packets of cigarettes and 1,042 non-compliant vapes.

David Brackenbury, NNC's executive member for growth and regeneration said: "The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law.

"The sale of illegal and illicit items is extremely dangerous for our communities, with these items causing a potentially harmful impact for anyone who purchases them."

Chief inspector Tom Thompson: "Tackling these gangs is a priority"

Chief Insp Tom Thompson, from Northamptonshire Police, said: "Results like this really show the power of partnership working.

"People often think nothing of buying cheaper goods, particularly in the current climate, but there can be consequences for your health.

"Not only can illicit tobacco be bad for your health, its trade also undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other serious crimes that impact our communities."