Five shops in Stoke-on-Trent were raided yesterday (10 July) as part of an investigation into illegal vapes and cigarettes. 

Trading Standards officers raided the following premises:

• Market Place Store, Market Place, Burslem
• Waterloo Store, Waterloo Road, Stoke-on-Trent
• Vinos Mini Market, Waterloo Road, Stoke-on-Trent
• Grab and Go, Waterloo Road, Stoke-on-Trent
• International Supermarket, Waterloo Road, Stoke-on-Trent 

Test purchases had taken place at each shop over the last few months, which showed they were selling counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes. 

Five stores, including four on Waterloo Road, were raided yesterday (Stoke-on-Trent City Council).

During the operation, 25,000 cigarettes and 7.5kg of tobacco - which have a retail value of £20,000 - as well as 2,350 vapes worth £30,000 were recovered. 

The new evidence will be used to issue four of the premises with a 48-hour closure notice. 

Four criminal investigations have begun and one person was arrested for immigration offences. 

Officers seized 25,000 cigarettes and 7.5kg of tobacco (Stoke-on-Trent City Council).

Chief Inspector Rob Peacock, from Staffordshire Police's Stoke-on-Trent city command team, said: "Operations like this prove that by working closely with partner agencies we can effectively prevent the distribution of illegal products, such as cigarettes, tobacco and vapes. 

"Today's action sends out a clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated here in Staffordshire. We will continue to carry out joint exercises like this to target and take action against those intent on causing harm to our communities through the illegal sale of such products."

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READ MORE: What's on in Stoke this weekend: Fun run, artisan and cultural fair and live music

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