MORE than £7,000 worth of suspected illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes were seized from a shop in Newton Abbot this week.

The operation hauled in illicit tobacco products, including a total of 529 packs of cigarettes and 414 pouches of tobacco.

More than 30 non-UK compliant vapes were also seized.

The operation was a part of a joint operation with Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police.

,These types of illegal goods aren’t regulated, which means they don’t go through the usual safety procedures that are required by law to be sold in the UK’, said Police Sergeant Joe Downton, who led the operation.

‘I understand that some people may not see the direct benefit of this seizure on community safety – but this outcome was really positive.

‘These important checks are in place to keep people safe and protect consumers rights. It also means we don’t know what’s in them.

‘I’m pleased we were able to work together with Trading Standards to remove a substantial amount from circulation’ Sergeant Downton added.

Police Inspector James Johnson said: ‘If you suspect illegal activity, it’s vital that you come forward and report it to us.

‘We can’t know everything and we can’t be everywhere all the time – your information is essential in helping us take proactive action to disrupt criminality on our streets, just like we’ve done in Newton Abbot.’

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Trading Standards, said: ‘The removal of illegal tobacco and vapes from the marketplace is a high priority for us and we are pleased to have worked together with Devon and Cornwall Police on this successful operation in Newton Abbot.

‘Sellers who supply illegal tobacco and vapes undercut legitimate businesses and seldom worry about supplying the cheap products to children.

‘We will continue to target them based on intelligence received from consumers, legitimate businesses, or partner agencies.’