Dorset Council Trading Standards took part in a large-scale, nationally funded, illegal tobacco disruption operation, (Op CeCe), in Ferndown and Weymouth last week, coordinated by Trading Standards South West, during a week of action commencing on 10 March 2025.
Supported by Dorset Police, the operation saw a total of 15,520 illegal cigarettes and 9.1 kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco seized by Dorset Council Trading Standards officers from various premises and/or vehicles associated with the premises. In addition to this, 334 illegal vapes were seized. The total retail value of the seized goods is around £15,500.
Cheap, illegal tobacco and vapes are easily accessible to young people. The money made from their sale is used by organised criminal gangs to finance other illegal activities, such as drugs, modern-day slavery, and people trafficking. Young people are brought into contact with such individuals who have unknown and unchecked backgrounds, putting them at greater risk.
Trading Standards Officers have discovered several sophisticated concealments across the region, being used by the criminals, to conceal their stock. Criminal gangs go to great lengths to hide it from the authorities, protecting their stock from seizure.
Cllr. Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said:
“Partnership working is essential in the fight against the sale of illegal tobacco. By collaborating, we can combine our resources, share critical information, and present a united front that significantly disrupts criminal activities. We are incredibly grateful to our partners, including the police and immigration services, for their invaluable support in these operations. Together, we can better protect our communities and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
“If you have any concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products, including underage sales, please report them to Trading Standards. Your information could be the missing piece we need to disrupt serious and organised crime.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:
“The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. Having removed 60,473,235 cigarettes and 16,416 kg of hand-rolling tobacco between 1st January 2001 and 30th September 2024 in England and Wales, Operation CeCe (a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC) has taken £35.3 million worth of illicit tobacco off the market since the operation launched in 2021 and continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”
Support and advice to stop smoking can be found on the NHS website, including details of local support to quit.
Sales of illegal tobacco and/or vapes can be reported anonymously to the Trading Standards South West team online or by calling the Citizens Advice consumer advice line on 0808 223 1133.
