Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Seized in Wakefield Store Raid

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.16.2024
Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Seized in Wakefield Store Raid
The local trading standards and police found 1,720 illegal cigarettes during a raid at a shop in Wakefield. The shop owner may face the risk of losing their license.

In recent days, according to a report from the Wakefield Express in the UK, local trade standards officials and the police discovered 1720 illegal cigarette packs during a raid on an offline business premises in Wakefield city center. As a result, the owner of the Continental Food Store could be at risk of losing their operating license.

 

On December 4th last year, inspection authorities conducted an investigation at a store on Westgate Avenue after it was discovered that they were selling illegal or counterfeit tobacco products.

 

Details of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes are recorded in documents submitted to the Walkerfield City Council. The local police have discovered illegal sales of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in stores and have called for a review of the licenses of mainland food shops. According to the investigation, a total of 86 illegal cigarette packs were confiscated, including brands such as Marlboro, L&M Blue, Richmond Blue, and NZ Gold. Additionally, it was found that the e-cigarettes sold in the store had nicotine levels exceeding the permitted limit.

 

Paul Dean, a licensing enforcement officer, has also requested a review of the license. He stated that the results of the night operation, conducted in cooperation with the West Yorkshire Police, Trade Standards, and licensing enforcement officers, clearly indicate that this store is suspected of selling smuggled goods.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

BAT Questions South Africa’s New Bill: Lack of Distinction Between Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes, Excessive Powers Pose Governance Risks
BAT Questions South Africa’s New Bill: Lack of Distinction Between Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes, Excessive Powers Pose Governance Risks
The South African Parliament is currently reviewing the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which proposes stricter regulation of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. A corporate and regulatory head from British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) pointed out that the bill lacks regulatory differentiation, ignores harm-reduction potential, and may weaken the legal market while fueling illicit trade. The company has called on the government to re-evaluate the draft’s content
Aug.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Observation | Clear Tank E-Cigs Surge: Dedicated Coils Emerge as Supply Chain Best-Sellers
Observation | Clear Tank E-Cigs Surge: Dedicated Coils Emerge as Supply Chain Best-Sellers
At the e-cigarette supply chain expo held in Shenzhen on August 26, 2Firsts learned that dedicated coils for clear tank e-cigarettes have emerged as the top-selling products among suppliers.
Aug.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Mexican president has submitted a reform proposal to Congress, proposing a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers
The Mexican president has submitted a reform proposal to Congress, proposing a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo submitted a proposal to reform the General Health Law to the President of the House of Representatives, Kenia López Rabadán. The core content of the proposal is to ban e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and similar devices to protect public health. In early 2025, a congressional standing committee confirmed the constitutional validity of the health reform.
Sep.28
Indonesia’s Finance Minister: No Tobacco Excise Hike in 2026; Focus Shifts to Combating Illicit Cigarettes
Indonesia’s Finance Minister: No Tobacco Excise Hike in 2026; Focus Shifts to Combating Illicit Cigarettes
Indonesia’s finance minister announced that tobacco excise rates will be kept unchanged in 2026 to avoid layoffs and protect industry employment. The government says it will pivot to cleaning up the illicit cigarette market, noting that while tax hikes can curb smoking, they have also pushed consumers toward cheaper brands or smuggled products, hurting compliant businesses and tax revenues.
Sep.28
Imperial Brands Launches £1.45B Buyback Plan as New Product Revenue Jumps 12-14%
Imperial Brands Launches £1.45B Buyback Plan as New Product Revenue Jumps 12-14%
Imperial Brands: FY results in line; launches £1.45bn buyback (to Oct 2026). Constant-currency net revenue to grow low single digits; NGP +12%–14%; adjusted operating profit growth similar to last year’s 4.6%.
Oct.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore's Narcotics Bureau cracked down on a criminal group smuggling etomidate-containing e-cigarettes for the first time, arresting 8 people and seizing a large number of cartridges
Singapore's Narcotics Bureau cracked down on a criminal group smuggling etomidate-containing e-cigarettes for the first time, arresting 8 people and seizing a large number of cartridges
CNB launches first major operation against e-liquid smuggling group in Singapore, arresting 7 men and 1 woman.
Sep.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai