Southend Council cracks down on the sale of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes

July 9, 2026

Illegal cigarettes, tobacco products and non-compliant vapes have been seized by Southend-on-Sea City Council's Trading Standards team in a series of operations across the city.

These products are often sold at a fraction of the price of legitimate goods. While cheaper, they pose heightened risks to public health and undermine local businesses that follow the law.

Working alongside Essex Police and specialist tobacco detection dog teams, Trading Standards officers have continued to target the sale of illegal cigarettes, illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes from a range of premises across Southend.

The latest activity resulted in a haul of illegal tobacco products, including counterfeit and non-duty paid, or "smuggled", cigarettes from convenience stores, vape shops and barbershops in central Southend. A quantity of banned disposable vaping devices was also seized.

These products are often sold at a fraction of the price of legitimate goods. While cheaper, these products pose heightened risks to public health and undermine local businesses that follow the law.

Cllr Irene Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, whose portfolio includes Regulatory Services, said: "These seizures demonstrate our commitment to protecting residents, supporting local businesses and tackling illegal trading in Southend.

"Illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products can present serious risks to health and safety. They also create unfair competition for businesses that play by the rules.

"I would like to thank our Trading Standards officers, Essex Police and specialist detection teams for their continued work. We will continue to take firm action against those who break the law while helping businesses to comply with regulations and keeping Southend safe."

There are also strong links between the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes and wider organised criminal activity. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has highlighted concerns about criminal networks using retail premises to support offences including human trafficking, modern slavery and child exploitation.

Southend Trading Standards carries out a regular programme of planned and unannounced visits, offering advice and guidance to businesses, seizing illegal goods from non-compliant premises and taking enforcement action against repeat offenders through fines, closure orders and criminal prosecutions.

More information about Trading Standards services is available on the Southend-on-Sea City Council website.