Thousands of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in Scunthorpe as part of national crackdown 

North Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards participated in a national initiative targeting criminal exploitation of high street businesses and found 13,240 illegal cigarettes (662 packets) and 50 single use vapes in a Scunthorpe convenience store.  

The vapes were on display in the shop but were not compliant with the single use vape ban. The illicit tobacco was found in a hidden compartment in the rear of the storeroom and in a box in the main storeroom.  

Operation Machinize 2, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and conducted in cooperation with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) ran throughout October and linked in with the council and Humberside Police.  

It is the largest operation of its kind focused on rooting out the economic crime and grey economy that makes high streets less safe and prosperous. 

Two premises were raided in Scunthorpe but only one was found with illegal items.  

Enforcement action will be undertaken in due course.  

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural), said: 

“This discovery of illegal cigarettes and single use vapes at a premises in Scunthorpe is unacceptable and concerning. Not only does it undermine legitimate businesses but also poses a serious health risk.  

“We will continue to work with our partners to tackle this type of criminal behaviour and protect our residents. Let this be a warning to other businesses that illegal activity will not be tolerated in North Lincolnshire and enforcement action will be taken.” 

About Machinize 

The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that at least £12bn of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, which is typically smuggled out of the country or integrated into financial systems, often to be recycled back into criminality.   

High street businesses such as mini-marts, barbershops, vape shops, nail bars, and car washes are used to make the proceeds of crime appear like the legitimate profits of a trade or service. High street businesses are also being used to sell illicit products and evade tax and are often linked to other types of criminality such as drugs supply and the serious violence it causes.  

Earlier this year, the NCA established Operation Machinize after identifying the criminal exploitation of high street businesses was beyond the scope of any one organisation. Working in partnership with the NPCC, it aims to catalyse a large-scale operational response to a multi-faceted problem.  This approach – coordinated nationally and delivered in our communities – ensures the most effective use of powers and capabilities, capitalising on the strengths and remits of each participating agency.