Northamptonshire Police seize £75,000 in illegal tobacco and vapes

Officers raided shops in Wellingborough, Corby and Kettering, seizing over 99,000 cigarettes and 42kg of rolling tobacco. A vehicle search yielded further contraband.

Operation Jackgate nets £75,000 in illegal tobacco across three towns

Ca.news.yahoo.com reports that Northamptonshire Police and North Northamptonshire Council's Trading Standards team conducted joint raids on 26 and 27 April as part of Operation Jackgate, targeting shops in Wellingborough, Corby and Kettering.

Officers seized 99,325 illegal cigarettes, nearly 42kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 273 single-use vapes and a range of counterfeit nicotine products — a combined haul valued at more than £75,000.

During the searches, police discovered hidden compartments and other concealment methods being used to store illegal products inside the premises.

Sgt Curtis Chambers of Northamptonshire Police said: "These items are often linked to wider criminality and can undermine legitimate businesses as well as pose potential risks to public health."

Following the shop raids, officers stopped and searched a vehicle connected to premises in Wellingborough, where additional illegal tobacco and cigarettes were found and seized.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)