Illegal

On Friday 24 May 2024 police seized hundreds of unlicensed vapes and counterfeit cigarettes at two shops in Chatham High Street. Officers along with the Medway Council Trading Standards and environmental health teams were checking for compliance of disposable e-cigarette devices and other items for sale.

PC Corrin Parker, of the Medway Community Safety Unit, said:

‘Illicit tobacco and vaping equipment which don’t meet UK standards are potentially dangerous to the public, and their sale has a detrimental impact on law-abiding businesses.

‘The source of and profits made from counterfeit products is also a concern. For these reasons, Kent Police will continue to work with partner agencies to monitor what is being sold in our towns and take action to keep residents safe.’

The teams also recovered suspected counterfeit watches, nitrous oxide cannisters and a number of crossbows.

Cllr Tris Osborne, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement, said:

‘It is really important we continue to work with partner agencies like Kent Police to ensure Medway’s residents have peace of mind when shopping on our high streets. I would like to thank the hardworking Medway Council officers, as well as Kent Police, for the important work they do to ensure our residents are kept safe.’

If you wish to report the sale of illegal e-cigarette devices, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Information regarding illegal tobacco can be reported anonymously here or by calling 0300 999 6 999.