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Shop shut after illegal vapes and cigarettes seized

Suffolk Police A number of packets of cigarettes, and vapes, are laid down on the floor. There are also bags of vapes Suffolk Police
The haul of suspected illegal cigarettes and vapes seized from the unnamed shop

A town centre shop has been shut down after police found suspected illegal cigarettes and vapes.

Suffolk Police said officers on a routine foot patrol in Ipswich noticed a member of the public "leaving a shop with multiple packets of suspected illicit cigarettes".

A man working inside the premises was arrested on suspicion of fraudulent evasion of excise duty, the force added.

The unnamed shop was searched and a large quantity of suspected illicit cigarettes and tobacco pouches were found hidden behind the counter with a price list.

The force added: "A significant number of vapes being offered for sale were suspected of being illegal. Some disposable vapes appeared to contain up to 10 times the permitted e-liquid capacity.

"Unregulated products such as these can pose a risk to consumers, which is why removing them from sale remains an important part of our work alongside partner agencies."

The case has been referred to Suffolk Trading Standards.