Police seize over £203,000 illegal vapes, cigarettes across North UK

Police operations across various regions in the UK have led to significant seizures of illegal cigarettes, vapes, and counterfeit goods, highlighting a coordinated effort to combat organized crime and money laundering. In Wrexham, authorities confiscated 864 illegal vapes and 43 counterfeit Labubu dolls during a raid, part of Operation Machinize aimed at dismantling criminal networks using cash-intensive businesses for illicit activities. Similarly, Lancashire Police conducted raids under Operation Wanderstar, seizing nearly £200,000 worth of illicit cigarettes and vapes, arresting six individuals, and temporarily closing several businesses involved in illegal trade. In Morecambe and Lancaster, police seized thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco products and cash, issuing cease and desist notices to offending shops as part of the broader national crackdown. North Wales Police found illegal tobacco hidden behind a false wall in vape shops during a joint operation with multiple agencies, emphasizing the sophisticated concealment methods used by traffickers. These coordinated efforts underscore a national commitment to disrupting illegal trade, protecting legitimate businesses, and safeguarding public health from counterfeit and harmful products.