Rossendale Police seize illegal vapes and tobacco products during operation

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 16:03

By Central Radio News

A large quantity of illicit tobacco products has been seized during an operation carried out by the Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team and Trading Standards.

Last Friday, officers visited several retail businesses across Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Waterfoot. Two locations were found to have a large quantity of illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes, with an approximate retail value of over £14,000.

These products were seized by Rossendale Police, and Trading Standards will be taking appropriate enforcement action against the shops.

Sergeant Paul Marsden, from Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These products are illegal and can pose a serious risk to the health of those consuming them.

“I’m glad we have been able to remove a quantity of them off the streets of Rossendale and we will continue to work with our partners to tackle this issue. We would encourage our communities to report any shops who are breaking the law so we can continue to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco.”

If you have any information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products, please report it here https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from East Lancashire News

King Charles visits Lancashire in busy days of public engagements

King Charles visited Lancashire today, stopping at Clitheroe, Samlesbury and Inglewhite.
Great Harwood's Mercer Hall wins £60k Arts Council grant

Great Harwood’s historic Mercer Hall has been given a £60,000 grant to develop a new arts and culture programme.
Illegal E-bikes and E-scooters seized in Blackburn

A police operation in Blackburn targeting anti-social behaviour has led to the seizure of more than a dozen illegal bikes and e-scooters.
Admission numbers cut at Blackburn and Darwen primaries

Two Blackburn with Darwen primary schools are to reduce their admission numbers.
Burnley residents urged to reject merger with Blackburn

The leader of Burnley Council has told his councillor colleagues they must do all they can to persuade borough residents to tell the latest consultation on Lancashire devolution-related Local Government Reorganisation they don’t want to be merged into a new authority with Blackburn with Darwen.
Calls for clarity over future of day centres at risk of closure

A group of under-threat Lancashire day centres should be given “the same assurance” about their futures that has been offered to care homes previously in the same position, a councillor has said.
Man who violently raped woman in Burnley given lengthy jail term

A man who attacked and raped a woman in Burnley has been given a sentence totalling 23 years.
Former police officer jailed coercive and controlling behaviour towards a woman

A former police officer has been jailed after admitting coercive and controlling behaviour towards a woman.