Sniffer dogs and officers raided Darlington Mini Market earlier this week and found hundred of illegal vapes and cigarettes.
Darlington Council trading standards officers and civic enforcement staff helped the police in the joint operation.
Suspected counterfeit cigarettes and over-strength vapes were seized in the Mini Market, on Gladstone Street, Corporation Mini Market, on Corporation Road, Daianca, Parkgate Mini Market, on Parkgate and on North Road.
The operation also found two vehicles that were being used as storage containers for illegal goods.
The businesses were all found to be using sophisticated methods of concealment to store the illegal cigarettes and vapes.
Some would have been very hard to find without the assistance of Griff, Bran and Cooper (tobacco dogs from BWY Canine).
Shaun Trevor, who led the operation on behalf of the council’s trading standards team, said: "If you sell illegal vapes or cigarettes, especially to children, then expect a visit from us.
"We have further actions planned in order to stem the flow of these illegal products in Darlington and will continue with our zero tolerance approach to this illegal trade."
In total, 1,269 packs of cigarettes and 250 packs of hand-rolling tobacco were seized.
Nearly 500 over-strength vapes were found in three premises. Many were 9,000 or 10,000 puffs - the legal limit is 600.
Councillor Amanda Riley, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: "I would encourage residents to report any concerns about any suspected illegal products to the trading standards team who take all complaints seriously and will investigate and take action where appropriate."
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Inspector Matt Plumb, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, added: "It is crucial that we work collectively with our partners to keep our communities safe and this latest operation is an excellent example of that.
"This action resulted in a significant amount of illegal and dangerous vapes and tobacco being taken off the streets of Darlington which proves vital in tackling criminality, antisocial behaviour and protecting vulnerable people.
"We will continue to carry out similar operations so if you have any information regarding potential criminality in your community then please report it to us - we will always act on intelligence submitted to us."
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