Multi-agency crackdown targets vape and convenience stores across Wirral, seizing illegal cigarettes and non-compliant pods

Key Takeaways

• The operation took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, across Wirral, including West Kirby.
• Partners included Wirral Trading Standards, British Gas, immigration enforcement and a specialist detection dog team.
• Six premises were inspected; about 10,500 illegal cigarettes and several non-compliant or unpackaged vape pods were seized.
• Additional vape products and food items were removed for lacking correct UK labelling.
• One premises was immediately disconnected after illegal abstraction of electricity was discovered; shop names and exact locations were not released.

2Firsts, February 5, 2026

According to westkirby.todaynews.co.uk, officers working to tackle serious and organised crime took part in a multi-agency operation targeting vape and convenience stores across Wirral, including West Kirby.

The intelligence-led enforcement operation took place on Tuesday, January 27, and involved partners from Wirral Trading Standards, British Gas, immigration enforcement and a specialist detection dog team. Officers visited a number of stores across the borough with the aim of disrupting the supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products.

In total, six premises were inspected, resulting in the seizure of approximately 10,500 illegal cigarettes and several vape pods that were not in their original packaging or did not meet UK regulatory requirements. Additional vape products and food items were also removed after being found without the correct UK labelling.

At one premises, officers discovered the illegal abstraction of electricity, which led to the business being immediately disconnected. The names and exact locations of the shops were not released.

Wirral Sergeant Peter Hanson said some specialist vape retailers operate legitimately, but others breach licensing conditions by selling illegal vapes, counterfeit cigarettes, and unregulated food and drink. He said officers are particularly concerned about the increasing number of young people taking up vaping and added that products must be properly regulated and clearly labelled in English so consumers can make informed decisions and young people are not put at risk. He also said that where products are unlabelled and unregulated, customers cannot be sure what harmful substances and chemicals could be in cigarettes and vapes, and said offenders would not be allowed to risk health in local communities. Hanson added that regular joint enforcement days are proven to make a difference and said continued close work with partner agencies enables coordinated action against illegal activity to help keep communities across Merseyside safe.

Councillor Ann Ainsworth, Vice-Chair of Wirral Council’s Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, said the operation showed the council working with partner agencies such as police, using information and intelligence to target retailers operating illegally. She said criminal activity affects communities and residents’ quality of life, and that illicit tobacco and vapes undermine legitimate retailers, help fund wider criminal activity and cause harm to people’s health. She urged anyone with concerns, including underage sales to children, to report them to Trading Standards or police, and said operations such as this demonstrate action will be taken.

Image Source: westkirby.todaynews.co.uk