Kent Police Crack Down on Illegal Vape and Tobacco Trade
Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards, and Gravesham Council’s licensing team teamed up for a major enforcement sweep on Monday, 29 July 2024.
Massive Haul of Illicit Goods Seized
Officers raided eight shops around Gravesham and confiscated a staggering amount of illegal products:
- 881 illegal vapes
- 44,180 illicit cigarettes
- 126 nicotine pouches
- 8.65kg of unregulated tobacco
- 103 packets of shisha
Police Warn of Health Risks and Crime
Inspector Kirsty Dunne from Kent Police commented on the crackdown:
“The results from this operation show the scale of the problem and the lengths some will go to avoid detection.”
She added, “The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and also undermines honest local businesses.”
Authorities Vow to Keep Fighting
Inspector Dunne confirmed that Kent Police will keep working with partners to wipe out the illegal tobacco trade and bring offenders to justice.
