£12,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized

Illegal cigarettes and vapes worth £12,000 have been seized from a shop in Preston city centre.

- by Sean Gleaves

The discovery was made after officers, working in partnership with Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards, visited the premises following a tip-off from the public.

In total, 748 packets of cigarettes and 545 vapes - valued at approximately £12,000 - were confiscated.

Police say the illicit tobacco trade encompasses a variety of products sold illegally, often to underage users, and without tax being paid.