Hiding illegal vapes and cigarettes in bins a rubbish idea!

Trading standards officers in Darlington teamed up with Durham Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Police Team to investigate recent reports of illegal vapes and cigarettes being hidden in waste bins.

Police had received intelligence that suggested commercial waste bins in side streets and back lanes were being used as off-site storage for the illegal products.

During surveillance, police spotted a staff member from a nearby store access a bin to remove cigarettes and officers quickly secured the bin. They then alerted the council's trading standards team, who attended and seized the illegal goods.

A follow up visit by trading standards officers to the area discovered a wheelie bin in a back lane behind shops being used to store more illegal goods, which were also seized.

In total, 685 packs of cigarettes, 24 packs of hand-rolling tobacco and 83 illegal vapes, with a total retail value of more than £12,000, were removed as part of the two seizures.

Shaun Trevor, the council's trading standards manager, said: “On opening the bin there was a strong smell of rotting waste and a large quantity of bags with illegal vapes and cigarettes.

“Once removed there was normal household waste underneath. I don’t think customers would be happy seeing how these were being stored.”

Councillor Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “Our trading standards team works closely with local police and other partners to target those who sell these illegal products in Darlington.

“I would encourage residents to report any concerns about suspected illegal products to our trading standards team, we take all complaints seriously and will investigate and take action where appropriate.”

Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector David Littlefair said: “Illicit and dangerous tobacco and vapes can not only cause serious harm to people’s health, but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious offences. 

“We are grateful for the support of members of the public who have come forward with valuable pieces of information to help tackle this issue. If you have information regarding potential criminality in your community, please report it to us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with any information that can assist trading standards in Darlington can email [email protected] or report it using the online form (this can be done anonymously) at www.darlington.gov.uk/ts-report-it  or you can contact Police on 101 with any information, or submit it online via the 101 Live Chat: www.durham.police.uk/Report-It/101-Live-Chat