Thousands of illegal vapes and cigarettes have been seized following raids across north Kent.

A multi-agency operation across Dartford and Gravesend saw three shops suspected of selling the unregulated products targeted.

In total, £4,000 was recovered along with more than 1,200 vapes and over 94,000 cigarettes during the operation on April 24.

Officers also seized 20kg of shisha and 46 pouches of tobacco.

In two of the businesses, constables found false walls concealing products, while the third shop had items stored in wheelie bins in an outside garden.

Two people were also dealt with for immigration offences.

During the operation, officers worked closely with staff from Gravesham council, Kent Trading Standards, HMRC and the Home Office immigration enforcement team.

Inspector Lee Cheesman said: “These results show just how prevalent this issue is and the lengths to which some shop owners will allegedly go to conceal products and avoid detection.

“The sale of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes poses a serious health risk to consumers and also affects the trade of law-abiding businesses.

“Kent Police is determined to work with our partner agencies to stamp out the illegal sale of unregulated tobacco and hold offenders to account for their behaviour.”

“This operation will be repeated in the future.”