Two cars and illegal cigarettes seized after raids on shops in Pontefract and South Elmsall

Two cars and £46,000 worth of Illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized during police raids on shops in Pontefract and South Elmsall

Police teamed up with Trading Stands and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to target illegal sales of cigarettes, tobacco and fireworks.

Two cars and illegal cigarettes were seized after raids on two shops in Pontefract area

placeholder image — Two cars and illegal cigarettes were seized after raids on two shops in Pontefract area

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “One premise in Pontefract town centre and another in South Elmsall were visited and illegal products with a retail value of over £46,000 were identified and seized.

"Two vehicles suspected to be used in this type of criminality were also seized by Police. The sales of these dangerous and prohibited items are now being investigated by Trading Standards.

“West Yorkshire Police remain committed to working in partnership to tackle the illegal sales of products which are having such a detrimental effect within our communities. Police will also continue to work with these premises to prevent the continuation of this criminality. Should these illegal sales not stop, then applications to the Magistrate Court for closure orders will be considered.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal sales directly to Trading Standards at https://www.wyjs.org.uk/contact-us/ or via West Yorkshire Police at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it”

The raids were carried out on Monday October 19.