£9k seized in illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vaping kit from Eastwood and Ferham

The haul from Eastwood and Ferham takes the total value of such items confiscated in Rotherham to £187,835 this year.

PC Tom Wykes said: “We know from speaking to residents when out and about that illegal smoking paraphernalia such as this can have a detrimental effect on their community.

“Using intelligence built up by ourselves and our partners such as the council’s trading standards department, we executed these warrants to target the supply of these illicit goods to stop them getting into the hands of both young and old in our communities.

“These practices will not be tolerated, and we hope that this shows the hard work that goes into keeping the streets safe for those who live here.”

The premises have not been named, but one Eastwood store was found to have 1,700 illicit cigarettes worth £783, some 800g of illegal tobacco worth an estimated £192 and 229 vapes thought to be worth £2,748.

More than 370 vapes with an estimated value of £4,464 were seized from a shop in Ferham the same day.

And earlier this month, another Eastwood premises was found to have 110 illicit vapes believed to be worth £990 as well as 38 illegal bottles of energy drink Prime, with an estimated street value £190.

Cllr Dominic Beck, RMBC cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “There are increased risks of harm caused by illicit vapes and tobacco products, which haven’t been through any regulatory control, including chemicals and toxic metals, so it is important we continue to work with the police and local businesses to ensure they are complying with the law.

“Any retailers who continue to sell illegal products will have them confiscated and may face prosecution.”

If you have any information relating to the suspected sale of illicit tobacco products from shops anywhere within our force area, you can pass this on to officers via our online live chat, our online portal or by calling 101.

You can access our online portal here: www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/.