SOMERSET shops were among those targeted by inspectors who seized more than £37,000 of illegal tobacco, vapes and cash.

Trading Standards officers carried out a five-week operation during January and February targeting illegal tobacco supplies in Devon, and Somerset.

During the operation officers visited 14 shops, including in Taunton, Wellington in Somerset, and Brixham, Crediton, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Plymouth and Teignmouth in Devon.

They used detection dogs to look for hidden stashes and only one shop was found to not be selling illegal products.

Alex Fry, operations manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “The removal of illegal tobacco and vapes from the marketplace is a high priority for us and we have conducted a number of intelligence-led operations over the last few weeks.

“The service uses detection dogs so regardless of where it is hidden, in a storage container or retail premises, the dogs have the ability to sniff out even small quantities of tobacco and vapes that are hidden from view.

“The sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco and illegal vapes is big business and those shops involved can undercut other local general stores who are trying to operate legally during difficult economic conditions.”

Investigations into those premises found selling the items are ongoing.

To report concerns over counterfeit or other illegal products, contact Trading Standards by email to tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk, or call 01392 383000.