An operation targeting illegal vapes and tobacco in Leigh town centre has seen £10,000 worth of illicit products seized following two simultaneous warrants.
On Tuesday 9 September 2025 officers from the Leigh town centre neighbourhood policing team joined forces with Trading Standards as part of our ongoing Safe4Summer initiative to get illegal items off the streets and stop them from being sold into local communities.
Working alongside Wagtail who provide trained detection dogs for operations like these, 954 packs of illegal cigarettes and tobacco was seized, alongside 309 illegal vapes with a combined value of £10,000.
Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “This successful joint operation in Leigh town centre saw hundreds of illegal cigarettes and vapes come off our streets. Products like these can be a significant health risk for the community and undermine public safety. Our Trading Standards team proactively investigate illegal trading and we will continue to work alongside our colleagues at GMP to tackle these activities. We would urge anyone who has any concerns to report to 0808 223 1133.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Davies of Wigan and Leigh district said: “Working in partnership with Trading Standards is key to ensuring shops are selling legitimate products and our communities are kept safe.
“During the operation, a male attempted to flee via a rear exit but was intercepted by officers stationed outside the premises. We know that our activity during these warrants will have a real impact on illegal operations uncovered in the area and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this.
“We are determined that those profiting from the unlawful sales of tobacco and related products will be dealt with accordingly.
“I would encourage the public to pass on any information relating to sales to CrimeStoppers which can be done anonymously by called 0800 555 111.”
