Tackling illegal fags and vapes

Lincolnshire Police have been shining a light on the murky world of illicit tobacco and vapes in a series of special features this week.

The video below shows just some of the lengths criminals will go to hide their dodgy goods from detection.

Shops selling these illegal goods are often a front for other serious criminality such as money laundering, illegal working, human trafficking, and drug supply. 

Many of the shop workers are victims, trafficked into crime by profiteers. These illegal activities harm legitimate businesses and fund further crimes, often monopolising high street spaces, driving out lawful small businesses. 

“Our communities bear the brunt, facing anti-social behaviour, underage sales, and drug offences. The sale of illicit tobacco products isn’t just a public health issue — Lincolnshire Police and partners are tackling these highly complex crimes head-on,” said a force spokesperson. 

“Criminals go to great lengths to hide their illicit goods. The catalogue of videos shown here reveals some of the devious tactics used to hide their underworld activity.  Many of these shops are run by highly coordinated organised criminal gangs - underscoring the gravity and sophistication of the criminal activities we're confronting in the battle against illicit tobacco sales.
“As you can see, some of these hiding spots are pretty good, if not ingenious.  But we're better. The body worn video, courtesy of Lincolnshire Trading Standards, shows some of the hides used by criminals. As ingenious as they may look, every single one was discovered.”

The series will share insights into how the police work closely with multiple partners including Trading Standards, councils Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue, HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office for Immigration Enforcement.

These agencies also want the public’s help: “The fight against illicit tobacco and vapes is just the tip of the iceberg. Together, we can uncover and disrupt a myriad of hidden criminality. Stay informed and vigilant.

“You can help us by reporting instances of illegal tobacco sales or associated criminality. This helps us to build a better intelligence picture, to better evidence criminal activity, and to proactively disrupt these organised criminals.”

Report via CrimeStoppers.  It's 100% anonymous on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

The picture shows the haul from county police raids in 2024.