Illegal vapes and tobacco seized in crackdown to keep Buckinghamshire safe
During a three-day enforcement operation, Buckinghamshire Council has helped remove thousands of pounds of illegal vapes and tobacco products across the county.
This is part of its ongoing work to crack down on businesses selling illegal goods, protect residents from potentially harmful products and support law-abiding local businesses.
Working alongside partners including Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, HMRC, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and licensing officers, the council recently took part in a coordinated operation targeting suspected criminal activity linked to some high street businesses.
Operation Machinize, the ongoing NCA (National Crime Agency) coordinated project to tackle money laundering and criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses, saw officers seizing illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco products, helping to prevent potentially unsafe goods from reaching residents and young people.
Thames Valley Police confirmed one arrest was made, while further investigations are being carried out by the police, HMRC and Trading Standards.
The operation supports the council’s aim of creating safer and healthier communities, protecting residents from potentially dangerous products, and supporting legitimate businesses that play an important role in thriving town centres and high streets.
Mark Winn, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Housing & Regulatory Services, said:
"Residents should be able to feel confident that the products being sold in Buckinghamshire are safe and legal. Operations like this help protect people from potentially harmful goods, support honest local businesses and make our communities safer.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products can fund wider criminal activity, undermine responsible retailers and pose serious risks to public health.
"Working closely with our partners, we are taking action to tackle criminality wherever it exists and sending a clear message that illegal activity will not be tolerated in Buckinghamshire."
Buckinghamshire Council's Trading Standards team will continue to work with partner agencies to identify and tackle illegal activity, helping to keep residents safe and maintain fair trading across the county.
Residents who suspect a business is selling illegal goods can report it through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service by calling 0808 223 1133 or via the Citizens Advice website.