A huge multi-agency response between GMP and partner agencies sees over £15,000 worth of vapes, illegal tobacco and nitrous oxide cannisters seized on the same street in Bolton

Last night, Thursday 7 September 2023, GMP were joined by multiple partner agencies from Bolton Council on Halliwell Road in Astley Bridge in the town, where six simultaneous warrants were executed on two commercial and four residential properties.

Police briefing prior to execution of warrants

Acting on intelligence received by the local community, the raids saw the following seizures:

- 570 non-compliant vapes

- Cigarettes and 1.3kg of hand-rolled cigarettes, seized from a BMW vehicle, which was later towed

- Two large bottles of nitrous oxide gas 

Some of the seized illegal vapes

A take-away was issued with a closure notice due to unhygienic conditions and Bolton Council's Dog Control Unit seized two dogs under the Animal Welfare Act, due to the conditions they were being kept in.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr Sue Haworth, said: “This was a successful joint operation with officers from our Trading Standards, Housing Standards, Licensing, Food Hygiene and Dog Control teams, all working closely with the police.

“The raid was the result of months of careful planning and intelligence gathering, which highlights our commitment to clamping down on illegal sales.

“The goods seized include non-compliant vapes, illicit tobacco and nitrous oxide, all of which pose a significant risk to public health.

“The operation was a great example of partnership working and has sent a clear message that we will not tolerate the sale of illicit products that put the safety of our communities at risk.”

Neighbourhood police officers and members of GMP's Tactical Aid Unit (TAU)

Inspector Lisa Clarke of the Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "These warrants were as a result of the involvement of a number of our partner agencies, working closely together to achieve some really good results.

"But this wouldn't have been possible without the intelligence we received from the local community. They have shared their concerns with us, we have listened and we have taken action to address those concerns.

"An investigation has now been launched into the illegal vapes, cigarettes and nitrous oxide gas cannisters and we are following lines of enquiry.

"As a force, Greater Manchester Police are committed to making communities safer and better places to live and work, and we will always work closely with community members to ensure we achieve this.

"If there is anything anyone is concerned about relating to neighbourhoods in Bolton, I would encourage them to contact us via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website www.gmp.police.uk.

"Information can also be passed through the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111."

More seized vapes