Bolton residents urged to report illegal tobacco and vapes

Politics Desk 2026-10-12 15:24 1 min read

A large pile of discarded cigarette butts and a red tobacco cigarette pack.

Bolton Council Trading Standards seized 5,391 illegal cigarettes, nine illicit vapes and 203 bottles of vape liquid from seven premises during Operation Machinize. The goods had a combined estimated street value of £10,982, and the council says investigations are ongoing.

Seven Bolton premises targeted

Officers carried out intelligence-led activity across the borough with enforcement partners. They also seized unsafe toys and non-licensed HRT products. The premises have not been named because investigations are continuing.

The operation aims to protect consumers, support legitimate local businesses and disrupt criminal activity linked to the sale of illegal goods. Bolton Council said illegal tobacco and vaping products may lack required safety information or fail to meet UK regulations.

Bolton residents urged to report illegal tobacco and vapes

Residents can report concerns

Councillor Robert Morrisey, the council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said information from residents and businesses helps identify problem premises and support enforcement action. He said the council would continue working with partners to identify offenders.

Anyone who suspects illegal tobacco, vaping products or other goods are being sold can email [email protected] or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Source: Bolton Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source and checks

The seizure figures, investigation status and reporting details were checked against Bolton Council’s published account.

Checks

Checked the cigarette, vape and vape-liquid counts against the council report.
Checked the combined stated street value and number of premises.
Confirmed that premises were not named because investigations are ongoing.
Checked the council’s reporting email and Citizens Advice phone number as supplied.

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