04/09/2026
Partnership Action Targets Illegal To***co and Vapes in Harehills
A partner-agency day of action was carried out across Harehills on the 26th August 2026, as part of the Clear, Hold, Build initiative, locally known as CommUnity Harehills, resulting in significant seizures of illicit goods and further disruption of criminal activity.
The operation, led by West Yorkshire Trading Standards and supported by Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team, focused on businesses suspected of being involved in the sale of illicit to***co products and oversized vapes.
During the day of action, neighbourhood policing officers and Trading Standards operatives visited five business premises across Harehills.
As a result of the inspections, 8300 ci******es, 300g to***co and 10 oversized vapes were seized from two premises. Similar partnership operations conducted through the Clear, Hold, Build - CommUnity Harehills project have previously resulted in significant seizures, demonstrating the continued commitment of police and partners to disrupt organised criminality and protect local communities.
In addition, one vehicle was seized outside of one of the business premises after it was identified as being used in criminal activity.
Police and partner agencies continue to take proactive action against criminal activity while maintaining a visible presence in the community. These days of action ensure police and partners tackle the issues that matter most to local people and support long-term improvements for residents, to create safer and stronger neighbourhoods for all.
Sergeant Campbell lead for Clear, Hold, Build - CommUnity Harehills at Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
"We continue to work closely with Trading Standards and partner agencies to target those involved in the sale of illicit to***co products. These products are often linked to organised criminality, undermine legitimate businesses and can pose significant risks to public health.
"Days of action such as this demonstrate our commitment to tackling criminality, disrupting those who profit from it and responding to concerns raised by our communities. Through CommUnity Harehills and the Clear, Hold, Build programme, we will continue to work with residents, businesses and partners to make Harehills a safer place for everyone."
Linda Davis, Head of Trading Standards Protecting Communities said:
“I would like to thank all the partners involved and members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so to reduce the harm caused by to***co in our communities.
“Far from being a victimless crime, the illegal trade in to***co costs government billions each year in lost revenue, makes it easier for children to start smoking, takes advantage of cash-strapped families, and helps fund organised crime.”
To report cheap and illicit to***co, illegal vapes or underage sales, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline, anonymously, on 0808 223 1133.
Anyone with information about organised crime, or other criminal activity is encouraged to report it via West Yorkshire Police on 101 or online at the West Yorkshire Police website.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
