Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards Team, working alongside the North Wales Police Neighbourhood Team, has continued its targeted action against the supply of illegal tobacco products and vapes across the county borough.
Following recent intelligence, officers carried out a series of visits to retail premises suspected of selling illicit products. These operations resulted in the seizure of nearly £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes, along with over £3,000 in cash confiscated by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Illegal tobacco sales are closely linked to organised crime and organised immigration crime, with local retailers acting as the visible front for wider criminal networks. By sharing intelligence and coordinating enforcement activity, partner agencies are working to maximise disruption and protect communities.
Illicit tobacco undermines essential public services by diverting tax revenue away from the NHS, schools, and local initiatives. It also threatens public health efforts, as the low cost of illegal products makes them particularly attractive to young people, making it easier for them to get hooked on a lethal addiction and creating a new generation of smokers. The introduction of new Tobacco and Vape legislation will help reduce youth access, but its success depends on retailers meeting their legal responsibilities.
Trading Standards and partner agencies remain committed to removing illegal products from circulation and supporting the growth of legitimate local businesses.
Statement from Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Economy and Planning
“The seizure of illegal cigarettes and tobacco during these raids highlights both the scale of the issue and the importance of ongoing enforcement work.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to identify and disrupt illegal trading and will continue to take robust action wherever it is found.
“All tobacco is harmful but illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to get hooked on what can only be called a lethal addiction. Sellers are linked to criminals and don’t care who they sell to. People can make a real difference to help keep more illegal tobacco off the streets of Wrexham by reporting breaches confidentially.”
Report Illegal Sales
Wrexham residents are encouraged to report any suspected unlawful sales of tobacco or vaping products to Wrexham Trading Standards: tradstand@wrexham.gov.uk or to the No Ifs No Butts website https://noifs-nobutts.co.uk/. Reports will be treated as confidential.
