Council destroys illegal cigarettes and tobacco in North East Lincolnshire

The council reports major seizures and destruction of illicit tobacco and vaping products as part of a nationwide crackdown.

Council destroys illegal cigarettes and tobacco in North East Lincolnshire

North East Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Police seized 250,000 illegal cigarettes and more than 150 kilograms of tobacco during inspections at shops across the area. The goods, valued at about £300,000, were destroyed as part of the ongoing effort to curb counterfeit products.

Officers say the operation is part of the national initiative known as Operation CeCe, which started in 2022. In three years the council has destroyed nearly 2 million illegal cigarettes and vapes and more than 620 kilograms of illicit rolling tobacco with a legitimate value of around £2 million. New rules for vaping devices take effect on June 1 2025, including a maximum tank capacity of 2 ml, nicotine limits of 20 mg per ml, and a requirement that devices be refillable with replaceable coils. All products must display health warnings and be registered with the MHRA before selling.

The numbers show a persistent problem and the payoff of cross agency work. By combining Trading Standards and police effort, the council is turning a local problem into a public health win while raising questions about ongoing funding and how to keep illicit sellers from reappearing.

Regulatory changes for vaping heighten compliance burdens and may shift illicit trade patterns if enforcement lags. The article frames the crackdown as both a health measure and a sign of how local authorities must police complex markets.

Highlights

Enforcement will continue as authorities monitor ongoing sales and compliance.