Photos: £45,000 of illegal vapes, tobacco & Labubu toys seized in Southend High Street crackdown

Southend High Street has been the centre of a major Trading Standards operation that uncovered £45,000 worth of illegal vapes, tobacco and counterfeit toys – with two vehicles that were being used to deliver the black-market stock now crushed.

The council-led operation, supported by Essex Police and specialist sniffer dogs, uncovered a huge haul of illicit goods. These included cigarettes, rolling tobacco, counterfeit vapes and unsafe toys, many of which were being hidden in nearby flats and vehicles as part of a covert delivery system.

Two vehicles acting as “mobile delivery units” were seized and swiftly destroyed, signalling an end to their role in supplying shops and customers with illegal stock.

Unsafe counterfeit toys seized

Alongside the tobacco and vape products, Trading Standards officers seized hundreds of counterfeit toys. Among them were popular Labubu and Pop Mart dolls – collectable figures that have gained cult status among children, teens and young adults.

While the real versions are sold legally at a premium, the counterfeits discovered in Southend failed to meet UK safety standards. Instead of heading for Christmas stockings, they will be destroyed to prevent harm to consumers.

This problem is far from isolated. Just last month, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) confirmed that fake toys worth more than £3.5 million had been seized at the UK border in 2025. Alarmingly, 90% of this haul was made up of Labubu dolls – underlining how widespread counterfeit imports have become.

Why illegal vapes and counterfeit goods are a problem

The trade in illegal vapes and tobacco has grown rapidly across the UK in recent years. Counterfeit and non-compliant vapes are often made with unknown ingredients, sometimes containing dangerously high levels of nicotine. Many are marketed to younger people, making them particularly concerning for public health.

Illegal tobacco products are also damaging to the economy, costing the UK billions in lost tax revenue each year, while undercutting legitimate businesses. According to HMRC, the illegal tobacco trade alone is thought to account for over £2 billion in lost duty annually.

Unsafe toys, meanwhile, pose a different but equally serious threat. Counterfeit products often bypass fire, chemical and choking-hazard checks, putting children at risk of injury or worse.

Enforcement and next steps

Southend-on-Sea City Council has confirmed that enforcement action is now under way. This could include fines, closure orders or criminal prosecutions against those involved.

Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said:
“Southend-on-Sea City Council will not tolerate illegal trading that puts public safety at risk and undermines honest local businesses. Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to protect residents and ensure retailers meet their legal obligations. The seizure and destruction of these dangerous goods shows that commitment in action.”

The council emphasised that cracking down on such practices is not only about protecting consumers but also about supporting law-abiding businesses on the High Street, who lose out when counterfeit and untaxed goods flood the market.