Thousands of illegal vapes and cigarettes seized

Thousands of illicit cigarettes, vapes and tobacco products have been seized from shops across Wolverhampton.

Following a string of complaints, officers said they found 2,280 illicit cigarettes hidden under a floor in one of the raided stores.

They also uncovered 8.1kg (17.9lbs) of banned oral tobacco and snus - a tobacco product in a sachet - and an estimated 550 illicit vapes.

The city council said an investigation to find the suppliers was underway.

The retail value of the vapes seized was estimated to £8,260, the cigarettes about £1,745 and the duty not paid on the cigarettes and oral tobacco would come to more than £2,900, the City of Wolverhampton Council said.

Action was set to be taken against the owners of premises where the material was seized, they added.

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