A major two‑day enforcement operation has uncovered illegal tobacco, illicit vapes and unsafe products at several shops across Portsmouth, alongside the discovery of dangerous living conditions above one business.
Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards officers worked with Portsmouth Police, a specialist tobacco detection dog from The Nose Knows and a council Community Warden to target locations suspected of supplying illegal tobacco and vapes.
Illegal tobacco was seized from four vehicles linked to Kingston Mini Market, New King Mart and Bucharest Shop. Officers also removed illicit vapes, shisha products and unsafe toys from a number of premises, including Albert Food Store, Highland Mini Market, Vape City and Pompey Blues. In total, officers seized an estimated £29,500 worth of illegal goods, including: £2,600 of single‑use vapes, £21,300 of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes, and £5,600 of counterfeit hand‑rolling tobacco.
During the operation, officers discovered residents living in unsafe conditions above one of the commercial premises. The council’s Private Sector Housing team and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service immediately intervened, and a prohibition notice was issued due to serious fire safety risks.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, said:
“This operation sends a clear message that illegal tobacco, illicit vapes and unsafe living conditions will not be tolerated in Portsmouth. Our officers and partners acted swiftly to protect residents and ensure these dangerous products were removed from our streets. We will continue to take robust action against any business putting profits before people’s safety.”
Investigations remain ongoing, and the council is urging residents to report any information about the sale of illegal tobacco, vapes or unsafe products.
Concerns can be reported in confidence by emailing trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or online on the Keep it Out website: https://keep-it-out.co.uk.