Wiltshire Police, in collaboration with HMRC and Trading Standards, have executed a series of warrants in the Broadgreen area of Swindon, resulting in the arrest of five men and the seizure of over £55,000 worth of illicit vapes, tobacco, and alcohol.
Raids Target Illegal Sales
The operation, part of the ongoing Clear Hold Build initiative, focused on three stores and one property along Manchester Road. Officers uncovered thousands of pounds worth of illegal goods, including:
- Vapes exceeding legal capacity limits: Some are advertised as containing over 15,000 puffs, far above the 600-puff legal limit for disposable vapes.
- Illicit tobacco
- Unlicensed alcohol
Arrests Made
Five men were arrested under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and are currently in custody for questioning.
Police Statement
Sergeant Winter, of the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Team, praised the coordinated effort, saying:
“This was a highly successful morning involving excellent multi-agency work. During our raids, we seized tens of thousands of pounds of illegal tobacco and vapes, some of which vastly exceeded safety restrictions.”
The sergeant emphasized the importance of community cooperation:
“Community intelligence is vital to enable us to conduct operations like this. If you have concerns about activity in your area, please report it to us.”
How to Report
Residents are encouraged to share information about suspicious activity:
- Online: Report via the Wiltshire Police website.
- Phone: Call 101.
- Anonymously: Contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to protect public safety and tackle illicit trade in Swindon.
