Luton Borough Council

02/01/2024 - Large seizure of non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes from Luton shop

In December 2023 Trading Standards executed a warrant, with the assistance of Bedfordshire Police, at a Luton town centre shop and the flat above in relation to illicit tobacco products.

Around 4,000 packets of non-duty paid or counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco were discovered in the shop, along with illegal vapes in the flat above the premises with an estimated market value of £50,000. Investigations are continuing.

Cllr Maria Lovell, portfolio holder responsible for Trading Standards said, ‘’The sale of illicit tobacco, vape pens and shisha is often linked to wider organised criminal activity, so we have good reason to be vigilant. It is also putting people’s health at risk, which is particularly concerning as illicit vape pens and tobacco are often being sold to school children under 18, which is also illegal”.

Luton Trading Standards is continuing to clamp down and disrupt the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco.

Anyone with information on premises and individuals selling and storing illicit tobacco, shisha and vape pens in Luton either from a shop, online or from a domestic premises or vehicle can report in confidence at Keep it out.