Hundreds of illegal vapes and cigarettes have been seized after a raid on a town centre store.

Police, Kent County Council Trading Standards officers and representatives of HM Revenue and Customs visited Deal Vape Shop yesterday (December 16) after residents raised concerns.

With the help of Police Dog Griff, the team confiscated more than 1,300 illegal vapes and 12,000 illegal cigarettes.

A police spokesperson said: “The tobacco seized is believed to have been brought into the country with no tax paid and/or with labelling which does not comply with UK legislation.

“With partner agencies, we'll continue to interrupt the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products, which can endanger the public.

“Ongoing inquiries are now being carried out by Kent County Council's Trading Standards Department.”

More than a million illicit vapes were seized in England in 2023-24, a 59% increase on the previous year.

The products failed to meet basic UK safety standards, with most containing excessive nicotine levels, a National Trading Standards report said.