Police have seized thousands of pounds worth of illicit tobacco and arrested two men following a joint enforcement operation in Swindon’s Broadgreen area.
The warrant was carried out on Monday at a shop on Manchester Road and adjoining residential properties as part of an operation involving Wiltshire Police, Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Officers attended Kubus Polski and neighbouring addresses after receiving intelligence suggesting illegal tobacco and vaping products were being sold from the premises.
During the operation, two men were arrested. Police said one of the suspects attempted to escape through an upstairs window before being detained.
Investigators discovered and seized an estimated £5,500 worth of illicit tobacco and cigarettes inside the premises. A vehicle linked to the operation was also seized, with officers reportedly finding a further £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco products inside.
The warrant formed part of Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, a national initiative designed to highlight the work carried out by local policing teams to tackle crime and address community concerns.
Wiltshire Police said the operation followed information received about the suspected sale of illegal tobacco and vape products.
Sergeant Winter, of the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said illicit tobacco and vapes can pose serious health risks because they are not subject to the same quality controls as legally sold products.
He said such products may contain higher levels of harmful substances and chemicals that are prohibited in regulated goods.
The officer also highlighted concerns that the illegal tobacco trade is often associated with wider criminal activity, including exploitation, people trafficking and illegal working.
He said police would continue to take enforcement action against those involved in organised crime and the sale of illicit products in Swindon.
Trading Standards officers from Swindon Borough Council assisted with the operation.
Councillor Matt Hinton, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, welcomed the outcome and praised the joint working between agencies.
He said removing illicit tobacco from circulation helps protect communities while supporting legitimate businesses that comply with trading laws.
Councillor Hinton added that the illegal tobacco market is frequently linked to organised criminal networks and can contribute to wider offending within communities.
The investigation remains ongoing and enquiries into the seized products and those arrested are continuing.
Police are encouraging members of the public to report information about the sale of suspected illicit tobacco, cigarettes or vaping products as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt organised criminal activity across the town.
