Erdington High Street witnessed one of the largest raids in Birmingham as police and trading standards officers seized illegal goods worth approximately £1 million. The operation, conducted on Monday, uncovered thousands of vapes, counterfeit tobacco products, and unlicensed prescription drugs.
A total of 7,545 vapes, 134kg of tobacco, and 329,740 cigarettes were confiscated during the raid. Additionally, 300 boxes of unapproved prescription drugs, not cleared for use in the UK, were seized along with £1,000 in cash.
The illegal items were found concealed behind a fake wall within a shop and inside a flat secured with a metal door. Authorities described the operation as a significant step in disrupting the flow of dangerous and illicit goods in the community.
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons praised the joint effort between police, Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team, and HMRC, stating:
*”Counterfeit and illicit tobacco can be dangerous, as can imported prescription drugs which are not cleared for use in the UK. This raid is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding communities and tackling organised crime.”*
Councillor Sam Forsyth, Chair of Licensing and Public Protection Committee, echoed the sentiment:
*”This latest seizure demonstrates the continued efforts by all partners to remove dangerous and illicit goods, so they no longer pose a threat within our communities.”*
Investigations are ongoing, with several individuals interviewed in connection with the recovery.
This raid marks a crucial victory in the fight against organised crime and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of local residents and businesses in Erdington.