Illegal vapes, tobacco and alcohol seized in Southampton organised crime investigation

Officers from Southampton’s proactive Area Crime Team have seized almost £60,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vape and alcohol products following a warrant in the Portswood of the city.

The warrant, which was carried out at a premises on Lodge Road, was part of longer term policing activity targeting organised crime and child exploitation in the city and beyond.

As a result, £57,734 worth of illegal vapes, tobacco, cigarettes and vodka has been seized and passed to Southampton City Council’s Trading Standards Department for further investigation.

Police enquiries into this seizure are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Rose, of the Western Area Crime Team, said: “This is a positive step in our ongoing efforts to target organised crime groups operating in this area of Southampton – the sale of counterfeit and illegal goods can be linked to organised crime and child exploitation, which is a priority for us.

“We are keen that people in and around the area recognise the signs of child exploitation and report this to us. We need to ensure that those exposed to exploitation, criminality and harm are offered the support and safeguarding that they need. The protection of our young people and children is at the heart of everything we do.”

Southampton City Council’s Trading Standards department continues to work with police to tackle the supply of illegal tobacco products and vapes. Test purchase operations are regularly carried out by the Trading Standards team to identify anyone selling these products to children.

Spot the signs of child criminal/sexual exploitation

Signs of a child or young person being in an exploitative relationship can vary. Some examples are:

• Going missing from home or care
• Physical injuries
• Misuse of drugs or alcohol
• Involvement in offending
• Repeat sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancies or terminations
• Absenteeism from school
• Deterioration in physical appearance
• Evidence of online sexual bullying
• Evidence of vulnerability on social networking sites
• Emotional distance from family members
• Receiving gifts from unknown sources
• Recruiting others into exploitative situations
• Poor mental health
• Self-harming
• Thinking about or attempting suicide

To report suspicious activity, signs of child criminal/sexual exploitation or anyone selling illegal or counterfeit goods in your area please call us on 101 or report via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

You can also make reports 100% anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers – you can call them on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org

If children are worried for themselves or a friend then they can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or by visiting their website. You could also ask a trusted adult for help, whether that is a parent, your GP or nurse, a social worker, a teacher, a mentor or a local police officer.

Always call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress.