🚔 Operation Vibrant Conducted in Gravesend 🚔

Yesterday, officers from Gravesend CSU, alongside Kent Police Special Constables and Trading Standards, carried out Operation Vibrant, targeting businesses suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vape products following recent intelligence and information received from the public. 👮‍♂️🤝

Multiple officers attended a number of premises across Gravesend simultaneously as part of a coordinated operation aimed at disrupting illegal trading and protecting local communities.

Results of the Operation

As a result of enforcement activity, the following items were seized:

🚬 8,880 illicit cigarettes
🚬 1kg of hand rolling tobacco
💨 109 illicit vapes
🛴 2 e-scooters seized after riders were seen committing offences as they rode past officers during the operation
👤 3 stop and searches conducted

The sale of illicit tobacco and vape products undermines legitimate businesses, supports organised criminality, and exposes consumers to products which may not meet UK safety standards.

Police Assistance to Trading Standards

During the operation, Kent Police also assisted Trading Standards at a separate premises where suspected counterfeit children's toys were being sold.

This aspect of the operation was led by Trading Standards, with police officers providing support and assistance.

🧸 Trading Standards seized:

🔹 570 suspected counterfeit children's toys

These items are believed not to have undergone the appropriate safety testing and certification required for products sold in the UK and may have posed potential risks to children.

Community Information Makes a Difference

The operation was developed following multiple intelligence reports and demonstrates the importance of information provided by residents and local businesses.

✅ Every report helps build the intelligence picture.
✅ Every piece of information can contribute to enforcement action.
✅ Community intelligence helps us identify offenders, protect consumers, and disrupt criminal activity.

🤝 We would like to thank everyone who continues to report concerns and provide information to Kent Police and our partner agencies.

📞 If you have information regarding the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes, counterfeit goods, or other criminal activity, please report it via 101, online, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Working together, we can continue to make Gravesend a safer place to live, work and visit. 🚔