Joint Operation - Market Weighton/Pocklington Area

Joint Operation - Market Weighton/Pocklington Area

Following numerous complaints to both the Police and local authority in the Pocklington and Market Weighton area, regarding illicit products being sold in the town, Yesterday (Tuesday 29th September 2026), Officers from our Market Weighton Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a joint operation with East Riding of Yorkshire Council Trading Standards at two business premises in the area.

Through work completed, a total of around 3400 illicit cigarettes and 3kg of Illicit rolling tobacco was located and seized by officers, to the value of £1635. An adult male connected to the products has also been arrested for immigration offences.  

Any counterfeit products, including vapes, can be highly dangerous as they are not subject to the rigorous safety standards imposed on goods sold legally.

Not only is there a real health risk to individuals who smoke counterfeit products, but the sale of these products can also be used to fund more serious crime including organised cross-border criminality in our area.

This is an example of great partnership working with some fantastic results and significant disruption in the Market Weighton and Pocklington areas. This continuing work ensures that illegal and potentially dangerous products do not reach our streets. 

We would continue to encourage anyone with information or concerns about counterfeit tobacco and vapes within your community, to please contact us via our non-emergency number 101, or by speaking to our officers when you see them out and about. You can also report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To find out more about your local policing team including who your officers are, updates on policing priorities and details of meetings and events please visit https://www.police.uk.