Chester shops targeted in Trading Standards raids

This week, officers visited a number of premises in the city as well as Northwich and Winsford, as part of Operation Nottingham - a crackdown on traders selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

On July 27, the officers seized 37,040 cigarettes, 1,600g of hand-rolling tobacco and 289 electronic cigarettes.

This is in addition to a seizure earlier in the month of 13,120 cigarettes, 4,300g tobacco and 691 electronic cigarettes.

ll goods were believed to be non-compliant with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco products Regulations 2015 and/or Trademarks Act 1994.

Councillor Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport said: “This is a huge amount of illegal tobacco removed from premises across our borough in the last few weeks.

Illegal cigarettes found in a shop (CWAC)

"There can be a temptation when people see cheaper prices but there is a big cost to health, safety and to our communities.

"Illegal tobacco supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on communities, as well as causing poor health."

Electronic cigarettes must comply with certain requirements including liquid capacity limits, nicotine content and other labelling requirements.  

The popularity of disposable electronic cigarettes has seen an increase in non-compliant goods finding their way into the market.

Trading Standards seized thousands of illegal cigarettes (CWAC)

All businesses should be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and non-compliance may result in the seizure and destruction of stock and in some cases prosecution.

Anyone seeking advice regarding the sale of electronic cigarettes can contact regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.