A specialist detection dog and Hertfordshire Trading Standards officers joined forces in a county-wide operation last week to take illegal tobacco products off the streets — including in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross. 

As part of Operation CeCe — a UK-wide initiative involving HMRC and local Trading Standards teams — officers visited multiple businesses suspected of selling illicit tobacco. In total, around 11,500 illegal cigarettes and 3.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized from retailers that had been putting our communities at risk. 

The raids saw Dora, a trained detection dog, deployed to sniff out hidden products that illegally evade tax and safety regulations. The operation aims to disrupt organised criminal activity that undermines local shops, fuels wider crimes and poses health risks — particularly to young people. 

Council officials warn retailers and residents

📌 Ajanta Hilton, Hertfordshire County Council's Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety, highlighted the community risks posed by illicit tobacco and vapes:

"Operations like this are an important part of our work to keep communities safe… Illegal vapes and illicit tobacco pose real risks, and we're committed to stopping them from reaching residents." 

Meanwhile, Lord Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, pointed out that: "Illegal tobacco harms communities, undermines legitimate retailers and fuels wider criminal activity… We urge anyone tempted to sell illegal tobacco to think again." 

He emphasised that the vast majority of retailers follow the rules, and that these targeted actions are aimed at the small minority who don't.

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What this means for locals

Residents and businesses across Hertfordshire — including Hitchin and surrounding areas — are reminded that:

• Selling or distributing untaxed and unregulated tobacco products is illegal.
• Such products often fail safety standards and contribute to youth access and broader criminality.
• Trading Standards officers are working with partners to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.

If you suspect a shop is selling illicit tobacco or vapes, you can report it to Hertfordshire Trading Standards for investigation.