Exeter retailers raided in illegal tobacco operation

A major operation targeting the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes saw enforcement teams raid two Exeter retailers, uncovering thousands of pounds worth of illicit goods.

Led by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service (HOTSWTS) and supported by Devon and Cornwall Police, officers seized a range of illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes from city premises as part of Operation CeCe, a nationally coordinated crackdown on illicit tobacco sales.

Specially trained sniffer dogs - Cooper, Griff, Bran, and illegal cash detection dog Maggie - played a key role in the operation, helping officers uncover hidden caches of illegal goods.

Fake walls and even a fake fridge with a hydraulic opening mechanism were among the sophisticated concealments discovered during the raids.

In total, the Exeter seizures included:

• 21.83kg of illegal tobacco (443 pouches) valued at £5,316

• 20,580 illegal cigarettes (1,029 packets) valued at £7,408

• 266 illegal vapes valued at £3,990

Across all locations, more than £16,000 worth of illegal products were confiscated, dealing a major blow to illicit traders.

Trading Standards officials have warned of the wider dangers posed by illegal tobacco and vape sales. Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, stressed that these products are often sold at "pocket money prices," making them more accessible to children.

"The sellers of these products do not care about the age of the buyers or the impact the products are having on the local community," Fry said. "The money made from their sale is used by organised criminal gangs to finance other illegal activities, such as drugs, modern-day slavery and people trafficking."

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, emphasised the effectiveness of enforcement methods, stating: "The service uses detection dogs, so for retailers who think they can get away with this illegal activity, there really is nowhere to hide. And for those who think illegal tobacco is a victimless crime—think again. We know that the availability of cheap, illegal tobacco at pocket money prices encourages young people to start smoking."

The operation was also welcomed by Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, who highlighted the serious criminal links behind the illegal trade.

"The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes is often linked to organised crime activity, which causes untold harm to our communities," she said. "Those who sell and use such products intentionally are by association complicit in supporting the illegal drug trade, people trafficking, and the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children."