Police arrested five people and seized £5,000 worth of illegal goods during a major operation in Rugby. Several businesses were raided yesterday (October 24).
Officers were joined by Trading Standards and Immigration Compliance and Enforcement (ICE). More than 500 packets of illegal cigarettes were seized.
Teams also recovered 52 packets of illicit hand-rolling tobacco and 35 illegal vapes worth around £5,000. Five people were arrested for immigration offences and taken in for questioning.
READ MORE: Two women arrested after major drugs raid in Coventry
Companies found hiring individuals without the legal right to work in the UK can be fined up to £45,000. Bosses can also be sentenced to five years in jail.
A spokesman for Rugby Police said: “Officers conducted a joint operation with Trading Standards and Immigration Compliance and Enforcement (ICE), visiting several businesses in Rugby. Trading Standards seized 522 packets of illegal cigarettes, 52 packets of counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco and 35 disposable vapes.
“Items were estimated at a street value of approximately £5,000. On our arrival, a few individuals tried to make a run for it, however they did not get far! A total of five people were also arrested for immigration offences.
“Employers are reminded that hiring individuals without the legal right to work in the UK can lead to civil penalties of up to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first offence and up to £60,000 per worker for repeat offences. By carrying out and recording proper right-to-work checks, employers can protect themselves from serious financial and legal consequences.
“We urge members of the public with any relevant information to contact us via our website or by calling 101. You can also report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
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