Banned and unsafe vapes and toys seized from Calderdale shops
A haul of illicit cigarettes and vapes were seized during checks on shops across Calderdale.
The West Yorkshire Trading Standards-led crackdown, supported by police and firefighters, saw goods worth more than £15,000 taken away from five shops.
Seized were 8,860 illicit cigarette sticks, 4.15kg of illicit tobacco, 193 illegal vapes, 154 vaping pods, and several unsafe toys
West Yorkshire Police posted: “During one of the searches, officers uncovered a cleverly concealed electronic shelf packed with illicit stock.
"Activated by a remote control, the hidden compartment dropped down from the wall with all the drama of a game show reveal!
"Unfortunately for the shop owner, the secret stash didn't stay secret for very long.”
One shop owner was arrested on suspicion of non-compliance offences.
Firefighters also carried out checks on fireworks, to ensure they were being sold safely and legally.
Linda Davis, head of Trading Standards Protecting Communities, said: "I would like to thank all the partners involved and members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so to reduce the harm caused by tobacco in our communities.
"Far from being a victimless crime, the illegal trade in tobacco costs government billions each year in lost revenue, makes it easier for children to start smoking, takes advantage of cash-strapped families, and helps fund organised crime."