Illegal vapes and cigarettes were seized after raids were carried out at 17 shops across the east of the county.

Police and Trading Standards carried out the operation yesterday morning and could be seen at Kiki Grocery Store in Wincheap.

A picture shows the force and council officers outside the premises along the A28.

Businesses in other areas of the district and Thanet were also targeted, and items such as illegal vapes, nicotine pouches, shisha, cigarettes and tobacco were seized.

A spokeswoman for Kent County Council said: “This week, Kent Trading Standards have conducted a number of visits to premises across the east of the county focusing on illegal products and licensing.

“The Trading Standards teams have been supported by partner agencies including Kent Police, HMRC, Immigration, Thanet District Council, Canterbury City Council, the Trading Standards South East Regional Illegal Tobacco co-ordinator and BWY K9 dog handlers.

“There have been inspections of 17 retail outlets over two days.”

Police have been contacted for further details.

“Officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), Kent Police and Trading Standards have executed a number of warrants in the areas of Ashford and Canterbury, as part of a joint operation into suspected trading standards offences.

“Enquiries remain ongoing.”