Greater Manchester Police and Trading Standards raided two shops in Leigh, seizing £10,000 worth of illegal goods — mainly counterfeit Labubu toys, cigarettes, and vapes. The operation, under the “Safe4Summer” initiative, targets products that risk public health and safety. One suspect attempted to flee but was caught. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have urged the public to share any relevant information.
Key points:
- Event: British police and trading standards officials conducted a joint raid, targeting two suspected illegal businesses.
- Seizures: The operation resulted in the seizure of £10,000 (approximately $10,000) worth of illegal goods, including 954 packs of illicit cigarettes and tobacco, 309 counterfeit vapes, and fake Labubu trend toys.
- Details: During the operation, a man attempted to flee but was apprehended, and drug-sniffing dogs were deployed to assist in the search.
Approximately $10,000 worth of counterfeit goods, including Labubu and vapes, were seized in Ley, UK
According to a report from Wigan Today on September 12, 2025, police and Trading Standards officials successfully seized illegal goods worth £10,000 (approximately $10,000) in a raid on two stores in the town center of Leigh, UK. The confiscated items included counterfeit Labubu teddy bears and counterfeit cigarettes.
In this operation, law enforcement officials seized a total of 954 packs of illegal cigarettes and tobacco, as well as 309 counterfeit vapes. This operation is part of the “Safe4Summer” initiative, aimed at removing illegal goods from the streets, and trained drug detection dogs were also used in the operation.
Paul Prescott, representative of the environmental services cabinet of the Vegancity Council, stated: “The joint operation in the town center of Lei was very successful, preventing hundreds of illegal cigarettes and vapes from circulating in the market.” Such products pose significant health risks to the community and undermine public safety.
Sam Davies, the community inspector for the Wigan and Leigh area of Greater Manchester Police, added: “Cooperation with the Trading Standards Agency is essential to ensure that products sold in stores are legal and to guarantee the safety of our community. During the operation, a man tried to flee from the back door, but was intercepted by officers stationed outside.
Inspector Davis stated, “Our actions have had a tangible impact on exposing illegal activities in the area and clearly demonstrate that we will not tolerate it. We are determined to take appropriate measures against those who profit from the illegal sale of tobacco and related products.
