More Than 1,400 Illegal Vapes Seized During Raids in Workington and Barrow
Six people have been arrested and more than 1,400 illegal vapes have been seized after raids in Barrow and Workington.
The operations were carried out this week by Cumbria Police, Immigration Compliance and Enforcement, and Westmorland and Furness Council Trading Standards. The work focused on high street crime, illegal goods, immigration offences and the risk of exploitation in local businesses.
What Happened in Barrow?
The first operation took place in Barrow on Tuesday, May 19th.
Officers and partner agencies visited a number of high street businesses. These included mini-marts, car washes and nail shops.
Trading Standards officers carried out checks linked to the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes. Immigration officers also carried out checks for outstanding immigration offences, illegal working and modern slavery risks.
During the Barrow operation, 1,442 vapes were seized by Westmorland and Furness Council’s Trading Standards team. Police said the products breached the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
Four arrests were also made in Barrow. These were in relation to breach of bail conditions.
What Happened in Workington?
A second operation took place in Workington on Wednesday, May 20.
Police and immigration officers targeted businesses including shops and barbers.
Two people were arrested in Workington in relation to immigration offences. Officers also seized a large amount of vapes and cigarettes, as well as counterfeit clothing.
Why Were the Raids Carried Out?
Police said the raids were aimed at those exploiting high streets and communities through criminal activity.
Detective Inspector Sam Johnson, of Cumbria Police, said the work had led to a number of arrests and the recovery of a significant amount of illicit goods. He said this would have a major impact on people seeking to benefit from crime in Cumbria.
He also said a multi-agency approach was key to tackling these issues. Police worked alongside Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement to target illegal goods, illegal working and related offences.
Why Illegal Vapes Are a Concern
Police said illegal vapes are not just a trading issue. They can also be a health concern if they do not meet safety rules.
Illegal vape and tobacco sales can also harm law-abiding businesses. Shops selling illegal goods may be able to undercut legitimate traders.
Police also warned that businesses involved in the sale of illegal goods can be linked to wider crime. This can include serious organised crime, exploitation, violence and anti-social behaviour.
Catherine Hornby, Trading Standards manager for Westmorland and Furness Council, said the seizure of 1,442 non-compliant vapes was a significant result. She said the products failed to comply with vape safety regulations and could pose risks to consumers.
Concerns About Illegal Working
Immigration officers were also involved in the raids.
Police said illegal workers are often paid less than people working legally. This can put them at risk of exploitation by employers.
Chief Immigration Officer Josh Johns said the arrests showed the importance of joint work between Immigration Enforcement, Cumbria Police and Trading Standards. He said shops breaking the law in the North West should expect further action.
How to Report Concerns
Anyone with information about businesses selling illegal tobacco or vapes can report it to police online, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Concerns about illegal tobacco or vapes can also be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
