Illegal vapes and cigarettes found stuffed inside hidden ceiling compartment at Plungington shop

The cigarettes and vapes seized by police in Plungington Pic: Preston Police

A hidden compartment inside a city shop was found to be hiding more than £2,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes.

Preston Police have released footage following the raids in Plungington during Wednesday.

Alongside trading standards, immigration, fire service and environmental health officials then eight stores were visited with four arrests made.

In one store – police have not named any individuals shops or premises, but the raids took place around the Hammond Street area of Plungington Road – officers found a hidden compartment in the ceiling.

Stashed inside were a host of illegal cigarettes and vapes.

You can see what officers uncovered in the video below or on Facebook.

Two people were arrested on immigration offences, one person was arrested for possession of a knife and another was arrested for possession with intent to supply a class-B drug.

A vehicle was also seized with no insurance and six stop and searches also took place.

PC Lloyd from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This operation demonstrates the strong working relationships that we have with our partners and the commitment we all have to working together to tackle the issues that our communities are facing.”

County councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council said: “It is so important for us to tackle sales of illicit vape and tobacco products, by working together with our partners on days of action like this in the community.

“We will always take action against unscrupulous shop owners who prioritise profits over the health and wellbeing of our community. Selling shoddy and possibly dangerous products puts buyers at a significant risk of harm and this is totally unacceptable.”

Anyone who suspects the illegal sale of products can contact Trading Standards via 08082231133.

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