North East police forces and partners targeting shops that sell illegal vapes and tobacco
Illegal vapes and tobacco being sold by shops are to be targeted in an operation by Durham Constabulary and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).
Named Operation Nightstar, the initiative has been set up to tackle the issue as the illegal vapes and cigarettes being sold are full of untested, harmful and illegal chemicals. The products are also commonly sold to children.
Part of Operation Nightstar is targeting shops and sellers believed to be involved in the illegal distribution of these vapes. Another part is focused on protecting those who are vulnerable and at risk of being exploited in the process or as a result of these illegal vapes being sold.
READ MORE: Gateshead teen driver caught behind the wheel while over the limit for cannabis
READ MORE: Byker lowlife thief targeted 81-year-old woman in terrifying street robbery
The final part of Operation Nightstar looks to raise awareness of these illegal vapes and urges the public to report any information or concerns they have.
In November last year, a shop in Peterlee was ordered to close after illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes worth over £16,000 were found hidden in the premises. 10,060 cigarettes, 15.25kg of hand rolling tobacco and 852 non-compliant disposable vapes, which contained nicotine were found. The items had an illicit market value of around £16,211.
NEROCU Detective Chief Inspector Daryll Tomlinson, said: "As legal vapes become more and more popular, officers and partners are seeing a rise in illegal and dangerous knockoffs.
"Illegal vapes are untested and unrestricted, they carry incredibly dangerous health risks and there are also concerns illegal vapes are connected to the exploitation of children or other vulnerable persons.
"We know that vapes are more appealing to children and while work such as test purchasing and targeted operations are ongoing to stop the sale of these to those underage, we need to make sure we’re working with the public and partners to stop the sale of illegal vapes altogether.
"By reporting it you can help stop these vapes from being sold and getting into communities and the hands of vulnerable people such as children."
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, added: "The results of Operation Nightstar are alarming and completely unacceptable. The sale of illegal and non-compliant vapes, particularly to children, is not only a breach of the law but a direct threat to the safety of our communities.
"As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that those who exploit vulnerable individuals, especially young people, face the full force of enforcement. Tackling drug-related crime, including the illegal vape trade, is a central pillar of my Police and Crime Plan. In addition to my work nationally where I raise concerns about adulterated vapes, I also play a proactive role locally as Chair of the Strategic Drug Partnership, demonstrating my strong commitment to addressing these challenges head-on.
"We will not tolerate this kind of exploitation in County Durham and Darlington. Together with our partners, we will act swiftly and decisively to stamp out this growing threat and safeguard our communities."
You can report information to your local police force via their website or by contacting the Illegal Tobacco Hotline: 0300 999 0000, which is anonymous.