The Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Bridgend were targeted in a multi-agency operation led by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) as part of Operation Aladdin.
Officers visited 29 business premises with South Wales Police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Immigration Enforcement, focusing on the supply of illicit tobacco, vapes, and other unlawful goods.
Councillor Ruba Sivagnanam, cabinet member for community engagement, equalities, and regulatory services at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “This operation demonstrates the value of partnership working in tackling illegal trading and protecting our communities.
“It is also testament to the hard work and dedication of officers from all agencies involved.
“By working closely with our enforcement partners, we have removed a substantial quantity of illegal and potentially dangerous products from circulation.
“This action helps safeguard consumers, supports law-abiding businesses, and sends a clear message that illegal trading will not be tolerated.”
The operation resulted in 14 Trading Standards seizures, including more than 1,500 packets of illegal cigarettes, around 100 packets of illegal hand-rolling tobacco, more than 650 illegal vapes, and about 400 suspected unsafe toys.
Cllr Sivagnanam said such operations were crucial in disrupting broader criminal activity and ensuring a safe trading environment.
She said: “Operations such as this are vital in disrupting criminal activity, gathering intelligence and ensuring businesses operate fairly and within the law.
“We will continue to work with our partners to identify and target those involved in the sale of illicit tobacco and other illegal goods.”
Additional outcomes of the operation included the seizure of cash and drugs and the identification of a car linked to criminal activity.
Illegal tobacco and vape products often bypass safety regulations and are sold without proper health warnings, posing significant health risks to consumers.
Their sale undermines legitimate retailers, reduces public revenue, and supports wider criminal networks.
Unsafe toys and other non-compliant consumer products also pose dangers, particularly to children and young people.
Residents are encouraged to report concerns about illegal tobacco sales to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Information provided can help enforcement agencies take action against illegal trading.
