Thousands of illegal tobacco and vape products seized from shops

10 February 2026

A two-day operation targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes saw thousands of dangerous products seized from shops in Northampton and Daventry.

Officers from West Northamptonshire Trading Standards visited nine convenience stores during the crackdown, making seizures at eight of them. In total, officers confiscated:

• 4,374 packets of illicit cigarettes
• 18.4kg of illegal hand‑rolling tobacco
• 654 illegal disposable vapes
• £10,000 in cash.

A small number of counterfeit toys and 42 canisters of nitrous oxide were also seized. Some of the illegal goods were found hidden in sophisticated underfloor compartments, raised by hydraulics via a remote control.

Held on 1 and 2 February, the operation targeted seven shops in Northampton and two in Daventry town centre, and was supported by Northamptonshire Police.

The cigarettes and tobacco found were a mixture of foreign‑labelled items intended for sale in other countries with no UK excise duty paid, as well as counterfeit products or ‘cheap white’ cigarettes, neither of which meet British safety standards.

The confiscated vapes were illegal under the single‑use vape ban introduced in June last year. All of the seized items will be destroyed.

The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes puts our communities at real risk, exposing the public to harmful substances and undermining legitimate local businesses.

This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal trading in West Northamptonshire. Our Trading Standards team will continue working closely with the police and other partners to take firm action against anyone who chooses to break the law and endanger the public.Councillor Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services

This was a great opportunity to bring together our local Neighbourhood Policing Teams to work in partnership with the local authority and others.

I hope this operation reassures the public that we are actively tackling the sale of dangerous and illegal products in our neighbourhoods in response to community concerns.Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jonathan Davis-Lyons

Residents can report illegal tobacco and vapes activity to West Northamptonshire Trading Standards or by phoning the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Businesses are also being warned that selling illegal tobacco can lead to penalties of up to £10,000, alongside civil sanctions including seizure and destruction of products and – in some cases – criminal prosecution.

Businesses or individuals coerced into handling illegal tobacco can visit www.gov.uk/report-tax-fraud or call the HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.