Thousands of illegal goods seized in raids on Tameside barbers, hair salons and vape shops
Thousands of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and illegal e-cigs have been seized during a raid in Tameside.
Tameside Council has warned that enforcement action will be taken against rogue businesses involved in illegal activity after a multi agency swoop.
Trading standards and environmental health teams joined Greater Manchester Police and immigration officers in the crackdown this week, raiding barbers, hair salons and vape shops.
Strikes were conducted off the back of intelligence gathered as well as information provided by members of the public.
Authorities say further action will be taken against a shop where they seized 5,120 illicit cigarettes, 2300g illicit hand rolling tobacco and 485 disposable illegal e-cigarettes. A total of 340 illicit cigarettes were also seized from a barbers shop.
A prohibition notice was served on another barbers to prohibit the use of faulty electrical sockets until a full repair is done. Police and immigration officers made arrests at some of the premises visited during the operation, the council confirmed.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Coun Laura Boyle, said: “This is a great example of our partnership working to protect local people and support legitimate businesses that comply with the law.
“Thank you to the members of the public who provided information which supported the operation.”