More than 15,000 cigarettes and 1,025 illegal vapes and counterfeit bags were among a van full of items seized by Trading Standards at multiple town centre stores.

Dozens of plastic bags were full to the brim with illegal goods following raids at four shops in Maidstone this week.

Counterfeit items, including a grey Chanel bag, were taken from shops in Week Street, Lower Stone Street, and Knightrider Street, in the sting which saw Kent County Council officers and the police join forces.

KCC’s principal Trading Standard’s officer Oliver Jewell said: “Trading Standards have been working with local retailers to advise on disposable vape devices but have identified a small number of retailers who continue to sell illegal vapes.

"These have not been subject to the strict safety measures we have to ensure that these products are as safe as can be established as an alternative to smoking.

“Illegal tobacco brings crime into your neighbourhood and is affordable for young people and for those who would otherwise use price as an incentive to quit smoking.

“We will continue to work with partner agencies to target shops who persistently sell either product and consider all means at our disposal to ensure a safe high street.”

Kent Police's Maidstone team tweeted about the raid.

It said: "Kent Police school team joined Maidstone town team with our partners Trading Standards.

"We seized a van full of illegal vapes and counterfeit items from Maidstone stores."

Inspector Dave Crompton, of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit, added: "As part of our ongoing work against organised criminal groups, my officers regularly work with Trading Standards teams to identify businesses which might be involved in illegal activity, such as money laundering and human trafficking.

"We also target those premises selling illicit tobacco and counterfeit goods as they often attract anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity.

"The businesses also have a detrimental impact on legitimate local traders and our inspections will continue while the Trading Standards investigation is underway."

In January police seized £20,000 of illegal cigarettes from a business in the town.

A joint-forces operation uncovered counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes were hidden in the ceiling of Maidstone Express in Knightrider Street.

Four other retailers in the town were inspected, with seizures made at addresses in the High Street, King Street and Calder Road.

Illegal tobacco, believed to be for sale without payment of UK duties, counterfeit whisky and banned e-cigarettes and vaping products with an estimated cost of around £20,000 were recovered.

Shops selling illegal tobacco can be reported anonymously through 0300 999 6 999 or by visiting www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk