Cigarettes, tobacco, nitrous oxide canisters, cash and vehicles have been seized in a joint operation

Approximately £125,000 worth of cigarettes, tobacco, nitrous oxide canisters, cash and vehicles have been taken off the streets thanks to a joint operation between South Wales Police and the Shared Regulatory Services.

Inspections and searches were carried out on Thursday, October 6 at both residential and commercial properties aimed at disrupting criminals and community problems in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Four men have been arrested – two for money laundering, one for involvement in a fraudulent business, and another for possession of a psychoactive substance with intent to supply.

Sergeant Jake Rollnick, from the Barry Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“This operation was carried out in response to concerns from the community about individuals selling illegal cigarettes, vapes, tobacco, and nitrous oxide canisters, to young people and others, from premises in Roath and Barry.
“The illegal sale of such items not only has health implications but also has associated anti-social behaviour and criminality.
“We are confident these significant seizures and arrests will have an immediate impact where concerns have been raised, but the investigation continues with both forensic and financial enquiries.
“South Wales Police and partner agencies will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals operating in our communities.”

Items seized include:

• 22,000 cigarettes worth £12,000.
• £17,000 cash.
• 133 boxes of nitrous oxide canisters worth £80,000.
• Three vehicles including a quad bike.

 

More commonly known as laughing gas, nos, or chargers, Nitrous Oxide is sold in small silver canisters which are regularly found discarded in parks and open spaces.

It has several legitimate uses but when inhaled it can cause unconsciousness or death due to a lack of oxygen.

It is illegal, in England and Wales, for anyone to sell nitrous oxide to people under-18, if they think they are likely to be inhaling it. Mixing alcohol with nitrous oxide can be fatal.

Other agencies involved in the operation were HMRC and Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.

Cllr De’Ath, Cabinet Member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services at Cardiff Council said:

“Illegal tobacco is causing harm to communities across Wales, and the sale of it supports organised crime and keeps money away from vital services. It also encourages smokers to continue smoking and encourages children to try smoking.
“If you think someone is selling illegal tobacco, you can help stop the harm it’s causing by reporting it to Crimestoppers. Your information can help keep communities across Wales safe and healthy.”

Anyone can anonymously report and provide valuable intelligence on the distribution or sale or illicit tobacco. Contact South Wales Police here https://bit.ly/SWPReportOnline or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.