OFFICERS seized illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco worth a total of £8,000 during a raid on a Stourport store.
West Mercia Police shared a clip of the moment the illicit items were uncovered in the raid on Wednesday (September 6).
A man, aged 27, was arrested and bailed by immigration officers at the scene as he did not have a legal right to work in the UK.
Kidderminster officers led the multi-agency operation with Trading Standards, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Immigration Officers.
After a search of the store and back offices, concealing panels were discovered, investigated with an inspection camera, and removed.
This is the moment West Mercia Police and Trading Standards @WorcsTS uncovered illegal cigarettes and tobacco worth £5,000 and vapes worth £3,000 in a raid on a store in Stourport yesterday (Wednesday 6 September) afternoon.
— West Mercia Police (@WMerciaPolice) September 7, 2023
Read more here ⬇️ https://t.co/UV9MWUPcVc pic.twitter.com/Wv9jasVQNE
When officers lifted off the panels they found the illegal stash of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes which were seized by Trading Standards as part of an ongoing investigation.
West Mercia Police have confirmed that as part of ongoing investigations, they won't be disclosing the name of the shop.
Wyre Forest Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Hornberger said: “This was a highly successful multi-agency operation with multiple illegal cigarettes and vapes taken off our streets, halting criminal activity and safeguarding our communities.
“We will not tolerate these criminal operations in our area and urge anyone with information about them to report it via our website Home | West Mercia Police.
"Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk .”
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