Sniffer dogs locate illegal vapes
IN A MAJOR bust led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officers, a series of raids uncovered a substantial quantity of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco products within the city. Pembrokeshirebased BWY Canine Ltd played a pivotal role in these discoveries, showcasing local expertise in combating illegal trade practices.
During a thorough search of a local shop suspected of selling illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco, officers, with the help of specially trained tobacco and vape detection dogs, found illegal products hidden in a bunker at the rear of the premises.
This operation unearthed large amounts of counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco, underscoring the scale of illicit activities in the area.
Further enhancing the operation’s impact, a second raid in the city centre utilized the expertise of Pembrokeshire’s BWY Canine Ltd. The company’s dogs successfully located large quantities of illegal tobacco and vapes concealed within a purpose-built hidden compartment inside another shop. These operations are now under investigation, with charges likely to be brought against both shop owners involved.
This crackdown forms part of Swansea Council’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the sale of illegal vapes in the region. It follows a previous operation where Trading Standards officers visited a storage facility in London, discovering illegal vapes valued at over £1.5 million. These efforts highlight the Council’s commitment to tackling this issue headon, with recent successes bolstering their resolve.
Rhys Harries, Team Leader for Trading Standards in Swansea, emphasized the crucial role of public information in identifying businesses selling illegal products. The council has been actively investigating numerous cases, leading to several prosecutions in recent months. Harries praised the effectiveness of their strategies to uncover hidden illegal goods, underscoring the challenge of staying ahead of those attempting to conceal their activities.
David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Performance, commended the operation’s success in disrupting the sale of illegal products to consumers. He attributed part of this success to the public’s willingness to report concerns, particularly regarding sales to minors. Hopkins encouraged continued public engagement with the Trading Standards Team to help protect young people in Swansea.
A survey conducted by Vape Club revealed that Swansea Council confiscated more illegal vapes in 2023 than any other Welsh Council, highlighting the severity of the issue in the area.
With 2024 expected to see even more confiscations, the council’s efforts, supported by Pembrokeshire’s canine experts, represent a strong stand against the illegal vape and tobacco trade in Wales.