Lincolnshire Police raids seize illegal tobacco and cannabis vapes

On 23 July, Lincolnshire Police joined Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement for inspections at four businesses in Grantham and Bourne. Officers seized suspected illegal cigarettes, illegal cannabis‑flavoured vapes and a delivery of cannabis plants, arrested two male workers (one Pakistani, one Afghan) who face removal from the UK, and issued a civil‑penalty notice to the employer.

In a related operation in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards officers and Humberside Police used the specialist sniffer dog Cooper to locate further illegal tobacco concealed in two vehicles near four shops. The seized cigarettes were bagged for investigation, and the enforcement teams are reviewing evidence to determine further action.

Both raids were described as part of a multi‑agency effort to protect public health, disrupt organised crime linked to the illegal tobacco and vape trade, and ensure businesses comply with safety regulations.