£12k of illegal tobacco products seized from shop in Preston
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes and vapes have been seized after a joint operation in Preston.
Following information from the public, officers from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards, visited a store in Preston City Centre and seized a total of 748 packets of cigarettes and 545 vapes with a street value of around £12,000.
The illicit tobacco trade involves a range of products that are sold illegally, often to underaged users, without paying taxes. It provides a cheap and unregulated supply of tobacco to those who might otherwise be deterred by cost and funds other organised crime with its proceeds.
Sgt Tom Rettie from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are committed to making communities feel safer and we will continue to work closely with them and our partners to ensure we achieve this.
“This operation demonstrates the strong working relationships that we have with our partners and the commitment we all have to working together to tackle the issues that our communities are facing.”
County Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, said: "These illicit products not only undermine public health but also pose serious risks, especially to our young people.
"Trading Standards will continue to work with Lancashire Constabulary to tirelessly crack down on businesses that continue to flout the law and put the safety and wellbeing of residents at risk.
"We urge anyone with information about illegal sales to come forward and help us with this important work."
Op Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, delivering his priority of getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of our partners.
To report a crime, you can contact police on 101, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online here 👉 Home - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online
