Labour MP Justin Madders has welcomed enforcement action by Cheshire Police and Trading Standards after around 18,000 illicit cigarettes and almost 500 illegal vapes were seized from businesses in Ellesmere Port.
The Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP praised the joint operation, which has resulted in three shops being ordered to close for at least three months.
Writing on social media, Madders said:
“I welcome action by Cheshire Police and Trading Standards tackling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes in Ellesmere Port.
“Around 18,000 illicit cigarettes and almost 500 illegal vapes were seized, with closure orders of at least three months issued for these three shops.”
Hidden compartments uncovered
The operation took place on 3 September, when officers from Cheshire Police’s Western Exploitation Team joined Trading Standards officers to visit four premises in Ellesmere Port. A specialist tobacco detection dog was also deployed.
Police said the businesses were suspected of links to organised immigration crime and the supply of illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products.
Officers discovered what police described as sophisticated concealment methods designed to hide illegal products. Several hidden compartments were located with the assistance of the specialist detection dog.
Approximately 18,000 illicit cigarettes and almost 500 illegal vapes were subsequently seized.
Trading Standards issued closure orders covering three premises: Stop and Shop in Little Sutton, Vaporesso on Whitby Road and Quick Stop Vapes, also on Whitby Road.
The closures came into force on Monday 7 September and are due to remain in place for a minimum of three months.
Police warn of links to organised crime
Detective Sergeant Andrew Manson said the illegal tobacco and vape trade can be connected to wider criminality.
“The sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products often goes hand in hand with wider organised criminality.”
Manson said partnership working had enabled officers to disrupt the activity, seize illegal products and take action against those involved. Cheshire Police said enforcement would continue using intelligence supplied by local communities.
The Ellesmere Port action is part of a wider crackdown across Cheshire. Police and councils have used closure orders against a number of premises this year over illicit tobacco, illegal vapes, underage sales and associated anti-social behaviour.
Madders backs action to protect legitimate businesses
Madders’ intervention highlights the impact the illicit trade can have not only on public health but also on responsible retailers that follow the rules.
The enforcement action is intended to disrupt criminal networks while protecting legitimate businesses from competitors selling illegal and unregulated products.
For Madders, the message is clear: businesses breaking the law and selling illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products should expect robust action, while responsible retailers and local communities should be protected.
