Arrests in high street store operation

Hundreds of counterfeit goods, illegal tobacco and vapes have been seized during visits to high street stores in Coventry.

West Midlands Police said that last week, its serious organised crime and exploitation team went to stores in Coundon, Foleshill and Barras Green alongside its dog unit and drones team.

Officers were able to seize more than 140 bags of Class B drugs from a store, after an alert from a police dog, and two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. Later, another man was arrested for immigration offences.

Trading standards would review seizures and put in for closure orders on stores selling illegal goods, police said.

Sgt Kelly Eaves, who works on the force's exploitation team, stated the illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes, vapes and other goods was "not harmless or low-level crime".

"It undermines honest, independent businesses that are operating in accordance with the law, and is often linked to wider organised criminality including the exploitation of vulnerable people, violence and anti-social behaviour."

She added that police would "continue working closely with partners, including Trading Standards, to target those involved in this illegal activity and take action against the shops facilitating it".

Coventry City Council trading standards officers seized hundreds of counterfeit goods, illegal tobacco and vapes.

The authority said anyone could report businesses involved in criminal activities by contacting the police or trading standards.

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