WATCH: Illegal tobacco and cash seized in Blackburn

Illegal tobacco and cash have been seized by Trading Standards in Blackburn.

Acting on intelligence gathered over the course of a year, officers executed warrants at three residential properties, two business premises, and a car park on Tuesday 10 June.

The operation was undertaken with the support of Lancashire Police, HMRC, a financial advisor and a detection dog.

Part of an ongoing effort to crack down on the illegal tobacco trade and associated criminal activity in the area, this is the second operation of its type to take place in two weeks.

During the raids, officers discovered:

• £35,000 in cash
• 36,000 illicit cigarettes
• 30 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco 
• 500 illegal vapes

HMRC estimated that there was £60,000 to £70,000 worth of unpaid tax from the illegal products that were found, as they weren’t bought legitimately.

All items were seized and are now being processed as part of the investigation.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities said: "This operation is the result of meticulous planning and intelligence gathering by our excellent officers."

"It’s so important that we continue to disrupt the supply of these illegal products, not only to protect businesses who trade lawfully, but also to ensure that these products don’t get into the hands of children; as sellers do not care who they sell to."

"I’d like to thank the officers for their hard work and look forward to seeing justice served to the people behind these illegal products."

The investigation is ongoing, and potential outcomes include prosecution and imprisonment for those involved.