Illegal tobacco seized in Nelson

It was the result of a joint operation between Pendle Borough Council, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards and Lancashire Police.

Officers visited three shops looking for possible unlicensed alcohol sales and the sale of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.

The Nelson premises visited were Bradley Global Foods, 85 Regent Street; 47 Railway Street (formerly Station News) and Europa, 94 Barkerhouse Road.

During the visits, officers seized around 588 packets of illegal tobacco products and vapes, with a street value of £9,000.

Councillor David Whipp, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “This is great news and well done to all involved.

“This sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour, especially in the selling of alcohol and tobacco.”

Following the visits, there is now an on-going investigation around alcohol sales and out-of-date meat at some of the premises.

The owners of two of the shops have been given warnings and will be re-inspected. The owner of Europa is due to be summonsed soon for tobacco offences.