Illegal and counterfeit goods seized in crackdown on high street shops

Illegal cigarettes and several bags full of suspected counterfeit vapes have all been seized from stores across Dudley as part of a crackdown on illegal goods being sold on high streets.

During two days of dedicated action in the borough Dudley neighbourhood officers teamed up with Trading Standards officials to visit high street shops thought to be involved in funding criminality.

This month, officers alongside a team from Dudley Trading Standards visited two stores in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge and found a haul of illegal cigarettes and vapes.

At a store on Dudley Road, in Brierley Hill, a small quantity of illegal tobacco was found concealed in a different room, alongside more cigarettes and tobacco in a drain. All vapes that were inside the store were also seized on suspicion of being counterfeit.

Over in Stourbridge a shop on Lower High Street, was targeted with the teams identifying a man suspected of trying to sell counterfeit cigarettes. The store was then closed and searched with further counterfeit cigarettes found inside the store and a nearby vehicle. Several black bin bags full of suspected counterfeit vapes were also seized.

Earlier in the month, teams had again teamed up with Trading Standards officers to visit two other shops.

A large quantity of vapes and tobacco was recovered alongside a cannister of Nitrous Oxide at a store on Shell Corner, Halesowen. Over in Brierley Hill we visited a store on Dudley Road and seized a number of illegal and counterfeit toys.

A 26-year-old man was also arrested last Friday evening (22 May) as Police acted on intelligence of children being sold vapes in the Dudley area.

In a joint effort from Dudley’s Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation Team (SOCEX), neighbourhood officers and Traffic Unit, the teams hit the streets and roads to trace those responsible.

A man was later arrested that evening on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and supplying a controlled Class B drug. He has since been bailed with strict conditions while our enquiries continue.

Enforcement like this has not only been taking place in Dudley, but in Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and Sandwell as well.

It’s all part of action being taken across the West Midlands to crackdown on organised criminals selling illicit items and fuelling other crime such as antisocial behaviour and violence that affects our communities.

Chief Inspector Adam Henderson, from Dudley Police, said: “By working with our partners we’re able to help disrupt organised crime, act on concerns raised by our communities, take illegal and counterfeit items off the streets, and bring those involved to justice.

“We know the community has concerns over shops that sell illegal cigarettes, vapes, and other counterfeit goods which are often linked to serious organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

“We’re intent on doing everything we can to crackdown on these shops and keeping our communities safe – and operations like this will continue.

“If you have concerns about shops and issues of this nature in your local area, please report it to us or our partners – the more information we have, the better an opportunity we have at taking action.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “This kind of activity has no place in our borough. The sale of illegal tobacco, vapes and counterfeit goods is often linked to organised crime and can put people’s health and safety at risk.

“Joint operations like these show how working closely with our partners in the police results in robust enforcement action against those involved.

“Our trading standards team continues to take robust and swift action and has shut down more than 40 of these disreputable businesses in the last year.

“Our message is clear - we will not tolerate criminality on our high streets and will continue to do everything we can to protect our communities and support legitimate businesses.”

There are multiple ways to make a report, call Police on 101 or use the Live Chat option on their website or submit an online report. Alternatively, stay anonymous and contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.