Trading Standards Officers, working in partnership with Merseyside Police and the Wagtails tobacco dog search team carried out inspections in the Huyton area yesterday (11 August).
The operation was intelligence-led and focused on premises of concern in the borough in relation to the potential supply of illegal tobacco products and other non-compliant goods.
Three of the premises had been subject to previous Trading Standards interventions where illegal tobacco products had been seized.
No illegal tobacco was found during the latest inspections. While this meant there were no tobacco seizures on this occasion, the outcome may indicate that previous enforcement activity, together with the continued prospect of unannounced inspections, is having a disruptive and deterrent effect. The operation also demonstrated to businesses that intelligence concerning the illegal tobacco trade continues to be acted upon and that premises of concern remain subject to scrutiny.
During the visits, officers identified and seized a small quantity of illegal/non-compliant vaping products and counterfeit Labubu toys. These goods will be forfeited and warnings issued.
Officers also identified tobacco-control compliance issues at two businesses relating to the tobacco display requirements. Appropriate advice and warnings were issued.
The operation achieved a number of enforcement and disruption objectives:
- Six intelligence-led premises were inspected.
- Three premises previously associated with illicit tobacco seizures were revisited.
- No illicit tobacco was identified during the operation.
- A small quantity of illegal/non-compliant vaping products were removed from sale.
- Counterfeit Labubu toys were seized and forfeited.
- Two businesses received advice and warnings concerning tobacco display requirements.
- The operation reinforced the message that intelligence will be acted upon and premises suspected of involvement in illicit trade can expect continued enforcement attention.
- Valuable intelligence has been obtained which will inform future enforcement operations targeting specific premises.
Anyone with any knowledge of businesses selling illegal and counterfeit goods to share the information with Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133 or Knowsley’s Trading Standards team at tradingstandardsteam@knowsley.gov.uk