Five arrests have been made after police raided three Swindon shops and seized illegal vapes.
Officers, working with HMRC and Trading Standards, executed three warrants in Manchester Road today (Tuesday) – including at Kubus Polski Off Licence and Istanbul Market.
Another shop and a private residential flat on Ponting Street were also visited, and several cars were searched in connection with Operation Clear Hold Build.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of breaching section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994. They have been taken into custody for questioning.
Officers carried out extensive searches of the buildings, recovering more than £55,000 worth of illicit vapes, tobacco and alcohol.
Some vapes were advertised as containing more than 15,000 puffs – well in excess of the 600-puff limit for disposable vapes.
Sergeant Winter, of the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was a highly successful morning involving excellent multi-agency work.
“During our raids we seized tens of thousands of pounds of illegal tobacco and vapes which were for sale directly next to the counters.”
He continued: “There are strict limits on what vapes can contain in order to keep the public safe. Some of the ones we seized today vastly exceeded the restrictions.
“Five men were arrested under the trade marks act and have now been taken into custody for questioning.
“Community intelligence is vital to enable us to conduct operations like this. If you have any concerns around activity going on in your community then please report it to us.
“Intelligence can be reported via our website, on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
