Illegal tobacco products seized in Kent operation

It took place during a multi-agency operation in Gravesend on Wednesday

Officers from North Kent’s Community Safety Unit targeted three shops across Dartford and Gravesend which were suspected of selling unregulated products.

£4,000 in cash was recovered In total, along with more than 1,200 vapes and over 94,000 cigarettes. Officers also seized 20kg of shisha and 46 pouches of tobacco.

Inside two of the businesses, constables found false walls which concealed some products. The third shop had items stored in wheelie bins in an outside garden.

Two people were also dealt with for immigration offences.

Officers worked closely with staff from Gravesham Council, Kent Trading Standards, HMRC and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team during the operation.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.