More than 1,800 illegal vapes and thousands of cigarettes have been seized in raids on multiple shops.

Trading Standards were hunting for illegal tobacco products in Canterbury city centre last week as multiple agencies – including the police – visited eight shops.

In total, 1,874 illegal vapes, 9,840 cigarettes, 6.55kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 860 tubs of nicotine pouches, 29 packets of nicotine chewing gum and 1.9kg shisha were seized.

Some 546 counterfeit products including mobile phone accessories, air pods, PlayStation products and 14 laser pens were also taken away on Tuesday.

Kent Trading Standards operations manager James Whiddett said: “This has been a successful operation led and supported by the regional illegal tobacco co-ordinator.

“Our staff work alongside our partner agencies to maximise the effectiveness of the day

“As well as seeing illegal tobacco and vapes, officers have seen for the first time nicotine chewing gum.

“The nicotine chewing gum seized by officers looks like packets of sweets, and not like the well-known branded chewing gum specifically sold to help people quit smoking.

“These products do not comply with the labelling required when products contain dangerous substances like nicotine.”

Teams involved in operation include police, immigration, HM Revenue and Customs, dog handlers and Canterbury City Council.