Illegal vapes found hidden in Darlington waste bins

A joint operation between Darlington Trading Standards officers and Durham Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Police Team has disrupted the storage and supply of illegal vapes and cigarettes in the town.

Following recent intelligence reports, authorities uncovered significant quantities of illicit tobacco and vape products being concealed within commercial waste bins in side streets and back lanes.

Acting on information suggesting that these bins were being used as makeshift off-site storage, police conducted surveillance in the targeted areas.

During surveillance, officers witnessed a staff member from a nearby store accessing a bin and removing cigarettes. Police swiftly secured the bin and alerted Darlington Borough Council’s Trading Standards team, who promptly arrived at the scene to seize the illegal goods.

A follow up visit by trading standards officers to the area discovered a wheelie bin in a back lane behind shops being used to store more illegal goods, which were also seized.

“On opening the bin there was a strong smell of rotting waste and a large quantity of bags with illegal vapes and cigarettes,” Shaun Trevor, the council’s trading standards manager, said.

“Once removed there was normal household waste underneath. I don’t think customers would be happy seeing how these were being stored.”

In total, 685 packs of cigarettes, 24 packs of hand-rolling tobacco and 83 illegal vapes, with a total retail value of more than £12,000, were removed as part of the two seizures.

Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector David Littlefair said: “Illicit and dangerous tobacco and vapes can not only cause serious harm to people’s health, but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious offences.

“We are grateful for the support of members of the public who have come forward with valuable pieces of information to help tackle this issue.”

Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “Our trading standards team works closely with local police and other partners to target those who sell these illegal products in Darlington.

“I would encourage residents to report any concerns about suspected illegal products to our trading standards team, we take all complaints seriously and will investigate and take action where appropriate.”