Illicit fireworks, prescription medication and tobacco seized in Accrington crackdown

Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers joined forces with Lancashire Constabulary officers to carry out a series of recent inspections at retailers across the town centre.

During the operation, officers visited four premises following intelligence relating to the supply of illicit tobacco products, and inspections at three of these premises yielded results. The inspections resulted in the seizure of illicit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco worth around £2,670 and vaping products worth around £1,670. Prescription-only medication that was being unlawfully held was removed from the premises. Fireworks that were found to be stored unsafely were voluntarily surrendered to officers and have been taken out of circulation to protect public safety.

The inspections form part of ongoing work to tackle the illegal tobacco trade in Lancashire. Intelligence from Trading Standards and Lancashire Constabulary indicates that some businesses are still profiting from illicit tobacco sales, harming law-abiding retailers and fuelling wider criminal activity.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council, said:

"The illegal tobacco and vaping trade damages local communities. It undercuts honest businesses, supports criminal activity and increases the risk of tobacco products falling into the hands of children and young people.

"One of the most concerning issues identified on these visits was the suspected sale of single cigarettes. As well as being an illegal practice, it makes smoking more affordable and accessible, which risks encouraging smoking among children and young people.

"The discovery of prescription medicines and improperly stored fireworks highlights wider concerns about activity at these premises. We will continue working with our partners to identify those responsible and take the strongest possible enforcement action to protect consumers and local communities.

"Residents who have information or concerns about the sale of tobacco or vape products can contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133."

Inspector Dani Baron from the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“We are working hard with our local partners and have a combined commitment to tackling this sort of activity in our communities, preventing, and detecting crime.

"We will continue to actively target shops and businesses who are bringing criminality to our local area, and the information we receive from the public is invaluable.

"If you have any information or concerns about the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes or other illegal activity, please contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”