Officers seized large quantities of illegal goods during the operation, including 218 packets of cigarettes and 375 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco. More than 550 illegal disposable vapes, with an estimated street value of £2,500, were also taken off the streets.

In addition, officers seized fireworks and unsafe toys.

The seized tobacco products alone represent more than £14,000 in unpaid duty and VAT.

Trading Standards officers used specialist detection dogs as part of the coordinated raids.

The operation forms part of the council’s ongoing work to tackle illegal trading, protect public health and ensure businesses comply with the law.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin, said:

“Our teams are doing vital work to ensure illegal tobacco and other unregulated products are not being sold in our communities. This kind of activity will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take strong action to protect residents and legitimate businesses.”

The Council teams and police will now decide what action to take based on the result of today’s operation.

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or disposable vapes can report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.