Tameside Trading Standards Uncover Illegal Tobacco

TRADING Standards officers from Tameside Council uncovered a fresh haul of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco during their latest Operation Firestone deployment.

Working with the police, and a Wagtails tobacco detection dog and handler, they carried out test purchases across six businesses in the borough, seizing 21 illegal e-cigarettes, 1,555 packets (31,100 sticks) of illegal cigarettes, and 187 pouches of illegal rolling tobacco.

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “The illegal tobacco trade supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.

“Trade in illicit tobacco and vapes also costs the country billions of pounds in lost excise duty, which limits the amount of money that can be spent on public services.

“People should know that our officers here at Tameside Council will always take the necessary enforcement action to keep our residents safe and support the vast majority of businesses that comply with the law.”

Investigations are ongoing.