Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have seized almost £50,000 of illegal vapes, cigarettes and counterfeit goods in raids along Stockport Road and Hyde Road.
Officers pounced on more than 50 shops in Gorton, Levenshulme and Longsight over two days this week after members of Manchester City Council’s trading standards team made test purchases across the area.
The operation confiscated:
• £24,600 of illegal vapes
• £4,000 illegal cigarettes
• £18,632.26 of counterfeit goods
“We know this will have a real impact on illegal operations uncovered in the area and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this,” said PC Francesca Hooley from GMP’s Manchester Central District Intelligence Unit.
“We are determined that those profiting from the unlawful sales of tobacco and related products will be dealt with accordingly.
“I would encourage the public to pass on any information relating to sales to CrimeStoppers which can be done anonymously by called 0800 555 111.”
The initiative has seen close to £400,000 off illicit items removed from sale, which according to Detective Inspector Chris Woodburn, were helping to fund crime and undercut shops selling legitimate products.
“They do not belong on our streets and in the hands of our community.
“We will continue to take robust action to tackle this organised criminal trade that harms our communities to make sure they feel safe where they live.”
The deputy leader of Manchester Council Cllr Garry Bridges agreed, saying: “In recent years the prevalence of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes has been high on our watch list.
“They post a risk to the public, make it harder for people to give up smoking and funnel money into the pockets of criminals.
“I’d like to thank our Trading Standards officers for their continued diligence in working to clamp down on illegal behaviour and express my gratitude towards our colleagues in GMP for their support in keeping our neighbourhoods crime-free.”
