£4,000 Cash and 1,200 Vapes Seized in Dartford and Gravesend Raids
On Wednesday 24 April 2024, North Kent’s Community Safety Unit stormed three shops across Dartford and Gravesend suspected of selling illegal tobacco and vape products.
Stashes Hidden Behind False Walls and Wheelie Bins
Police recovered £4,000 in cash, over 1,200 vapes, and a staggering 94,000 cigarettes. They also seized 20kg of shisha and 46 tobacco pouches. Inside two businesses, officers uncovered false walls used to conceal the goods. The third shop was found storing products in wheelie bins in a garden.
Two Arrested Over Immigration Offences
Alongside the haul of illegal goods, two individuals were dealt with for immigration offences. The operation was a joint effort with Gravesham Council, Kent Trading Standards, HMRC, and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team.
Inspector Lee Cheesman Vows to Crack Down on Illicit Sales
“These results show just how prevalent this issue is and the lengths some shop owners will go to hide products and avoid detection,” said Inspector Lee Cheesman.
“The sale of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes poses serious health risks and also hurts honest businesses. Kent Police is committed to working with partners to stamp out these illegal sales and will repeat operations like this in the future.
