# Thousands of high street shops raided in money-laundering crackdown

By Mark Oates — 2025-11-11

Mark Oates, founder of consumer campaign group We Vape, said: “This black market crackdown is welcome news and shows why the licensing scheme included in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is so crucial.

“We must distinguish legitimate businesses from rogue operators and in doing so, protect the rights of smokers and vapers wanting to quit cigarettes.

“Responsible retailers play a key role in providing smokers these alternatives that protect public health while keeping illegal, unsafe products off our streets.”

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