Overview

• Darlington Borough Council trading standards, Durham Constabulary and partner agencies raided eight premises on July 3, including a barber shop, targeting suspected illegal tobacco sellers.
• Officers recovered nearly 6,000 illegal cigarettes, more than 2 kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 20 vapes concealed in wheeled bins and vehicles linked to the shops.
• The raids built on a mid-June test-purchase operation that found 13 out of 16 local stores selling illicit tobacco products.
• Council and police leaders warned that cheap illegal tobacco undermines smoking reduction efforts, attracts youth and helps fund organised crime networks.
• Authorities served emergency prohibition notices on premises and urged residents to report any suspected illicit tobacco or vape sales to trading standards.