Four Arrested as Illegal Tobacco and Vapes Seized in South Cumbria Raids

Four people have been arrested after a major multi-agency operation targeting the illegal sale of tobacco and vape products across South Cumbria.

The enforcement action took place on Tuesday, with officers carrying out coordinated inspections at a number of businesses in Barrow and Ulverston. The operation brought together Cumbria Police, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Westmorland and Furness Council.

In Barrow, officers visited several premises, resulting in three arrests. Two people were arrested on suspicion of trademark offences, while another man was arrested on suspicion of illegal working. During the inspections, Trading Standards officers seized illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco from three separate businesses.

A fourth arrest was made at a vape shop in the Ulverston area, where a 34-year-old man was detained on suspicion of multiple offences, including trademark and drugs-related offences.

Immigration officers also carried out checks for illegal working, immigration offences and signs of modern slavery. HMRC investigators examined financial records, while a specialist tobacco detection dog was used to help locate illicit products. Officers also spoke with employees to identify anyone who may have been vulnerable to exploitation.

Sergeant Jack Hart said the operation had disrupted criminal activity and removed a significant quantity of illegal goods from circulation. He added that the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco is often linked to organised crime, exploitation, violence and anti-social behaviour, and warned that those involved could face substantial fines or imprisonment.

Trading Standards also highlighted the dangers of counterfeit tobacco products, saying they undermine legitimate businesses, reduce tax revenue and may pose serious health risks because they are produced outside regulated supply chains.

Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, praised the joint operation, describing it as an example of how agencies working together can tackle illegal trade, financial crime and immigration offences while helping to keep communities safe.

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