Over 570,000 illicit cigarettes & nearly 20,000 vapes seized in Hull this year

By Simon Bristow

More than 570,000 illicit cigarettes and nearly 20,000 vapes have been seized in Hull this year after continued enforcement action by Hull City Council and partners.

Latest figures for July show 62,000 illicit cigarettes, 1,350 vapes and 400 tobacco pouches were taken off the streets last month by public protection officers from the council, with help from Humberside Police and a “detection dog”.

The total number of tobacco-related products seized so far this year now stands at 572,580 cigarettes, 2,927 tobacco pouches, and 19,429 vapes.

The council said a number of shops were targeted for searches through intelligence and information provided anonymously. Locations used to conceal the illicit products included a mirror behind a toilet, while others were hidden behind display cabinets.

Councillor Julia Conner, whose portfolio responsibilities include public protection and environmental health, said: “It’s important to remove illegal tobacco and vapes from our streets, as illegal cigarettes and vapes have not been subjected to UK legal requirements, and are therefore not safe to use.

“Because these products are cheaper it might make them appear more attractive, which can be a factor in preventing people quitting and young people becoming addicted to tobacco.

“The public protection team has a close working partnership with their colleagues in Humberside Police and the police detection dog, with these very large seizures not unusual.

“Those selling and dealing these goods should understand it will not be tolerated and the products which have cost them a significant amount of money will be seized, and they will face legal action”.