Police find suspected illegal cigarettes and cannabis vapes in Bourne during raid on shop

Officers at the premises say they discovered a quantity of suspected illegal cigarettes and cannabis vapes hidden inside a large rucksack stored in a nearby vehicle with blacked-out windows.

A police spokesperson said that one of the workers at the shop, which has not been named, was found to be carrying a key to the vehicle.

The products were seized by Trading Standards for further investigation.

Officers from Lincolnshire Police with partners from Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement swooped on the shop during an operation across the county aimed at disrupting illegal activity, protecting public health and tackling organised crime.

The spokesperson said: “The operation focused on ensuring products being sold were legal and compliant, and that employees had the legal right to work in the UK.”

Sergeant Lee Mayfield, from the Grantham and Bourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The illegal tobacco and vape trade is not a victimless crime.

"The profits can help fund organised crime groups, while consumers are exposed to products that have not been subject to the same safety checks and standards as legitimate goods.

“By working closely with our partners in Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement, we can take action against a range of offences, disrupt those involved and help keep our communities safe.

“We would encourage anyone who has information about the sale of illegal tobacco, illegal vapes or other suspicious activity in their area to report it to us or our partner agencies.”

Councillor Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We are committed to stubbing out the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes across Lincolnshire.

"Not only do these rogue shops impact hardworking law-abiding businesses who cannot compete on an equal footing, they also have serious consequences for people’s safety, especially that of our young people.

Doug Campbell, Lead for East Midlands Immigration, Compliance & Enforcement, said: “We are sending a clear message to those attempting to take advantage of our immigration system that we will use all the tools at our disposal to enforce the law.”