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Illegal goods were discovered hidden behind a false wall during multi-agency police raids on vape shops in Wales. North Wales Police joined by immigration officers, trading standards and fire fighters to raid vape shops in Conwy and Llandudno . There North Wales Police officers and officers from Conwy council's trading standards team and immigration services, together with fire fighters from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, found an abundance of illegal tobacco and cigarettes at several shops in Colwyn Bay and Llandudno last week - some having been hidden. Officers found illegal tobacco and cigarettes hidden inside a fridge and behind a false wall, North Wales Live reports. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter A spokesperson for North Wales Police told of the operation: "On Thursday, October 23, North Wales Police officers conducted a joint operation with Conwy council trading standards, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and immigration services as part of Operation Machinize. "This operation is an ongoing NCA-coordinated initiative that looks to tackle money laundering and high street businesses primarily conducting transactions in cash." The force said several vape shops had been visited in the areas and "large amounts of illegal tobacco and cigarettes were seized as part of the operation". They added: "These vape shops go to some effort to try and hide the illegal products, however, not enough effort on this occasion as the hide was found behind a false wall. "Tobacco products were hidden inside the fridge to try and hide the scent from the dog. We urge anyone with concerns about any business in the West Conwy area to contact us." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
