Hundreds of vapes and illicit products not legal in the UK, have been seized from Middleton businesses.
On Friday, Rochdale police, Trading Standards team and licensing officers visited a range of premises including pubs, takeaways and small shops, as well as locations suspected of illegal practices.
It was part of Operation Venture – a force-wide initiative to tackle serious and violent crime across Greater Manchester. By targeting businesses illegally selling vapes and alcohol, officers can prevent further criminality that could follow – such as street drinking, littering, and further issues including addiction.
Paperwork and notices were issued to businesses who were stocking illicit products. Some outlets were found to be registered to the wrong owners, and were made to close pending the correct arrangements being made.
Further interventions will follow where repeat offenders are identified and do not make the adequate changes.
Chief inspector Bryn Saville said: “Tackling the root causes of issues such as anti-social behaviour can mean we markedly tackle those responsible. By preventing illegal vapes and other products such as drug paraphernalia from being sold, we can stop crimes that blight people’s lives.
“These products have now been through the rigorous tests that are required and can cause untold harm to those using them. We will always seek to protect our communities and punish those responsible for causing those issues.
“Our work with partners ensures we can tackle crime from a variety of directions – closing down businesses, seizing vapes, securing arrests and charging people with crimes.”
Councillor Tricia Ayrton said: “As a local authority we have a duty to ensure that products being sold by our local businesses are safe and that consumers and communities are protected from dangerous goods.
“We work regularly with police and this latest operation in Middleton uncovered a number of concerning issues that we will follow up. If anyone has concerns about a business they should contact us and we will look into it.”
