"It will not be tolerated": Two day crackdown uncovers illegal vapes and tobacco at multiple city shops
Illegal tobacco, illicit vapes, unsafe products and dangerous living conditions have been uncovered at multiple city shops during a two day crackdown operation.
Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards officers worked with Portsmouth Police, a specialist tobacco detection dog from The Nose Knows and a council community warden to target locations suspected of supplying illegal tobacco and vapes.
During the operation, illegal tobacco was seized from four vehicles linked to Kingston Mini Market, New King Mart and Bucharest Shop, with officers also removing illicit vapes, shisha products and unsafe toys from premises including Albert Food Store, Highland Mini Market, Vape City and Pompey Blues.
In total, officers seized an estimated £29,500 worth of illegal goods, including £2,600 of single‑use vapes, £21,300 of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes, and £5,600 of counterfeit hand‑rolling tobacco.
Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, said: “This operation sends a clear message that illegal tobacco, illicit vapes and unsafe living conditions will not be tolerated in Portsmouth.
“Our officers and partners acted swiftly to protect residents and ensure these dangerous products were removed from our streets. We will continue to take robust action against any business putting profits before people’s safety.”
Officers discovered residents living in unsafe conditions above one of the commercial premises which prompted the council’s Private Sector Housing team and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service immediately intervening.
A prohibition notice was also issued due to serious fire safety risks.
Investigations remain ongoing into the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.