Video: Illegal cigarettes, alcohol, vapes and drugs seized in Doncaster blitz

Illegal cigarettes, alcohol, vapes and drugs have been seized in a major Doncaster police operation.

Warrants were executed across Hexthorpe yesterday (Thursday) and led officers and trading standards colleagues to find hidden counterfeit items in the back of shops and concealed cupboards.

Doncaster Central Neighbourhood policing officers, supported by skilled officers at entry and searching from Tactical Support Unit joined the City of Doncaster Council's Trading Standards team and carried out a number of warrants.

During the warrants, officers found illicit items concealed in secret cupboards, masses of counterfeit goods and a cannabis set up.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Counterfeit goods are not harmless bargains, they are a direct threat to people’s health and the safety of neighbourhoods.

“The ingredients in items can be unregulated, not tested and contain toxic chemicals, what may look like a bargain can come at a cost to your health and your family.

“We know that those involved in the production and sale of illicit items are often involved in further criminality, fuelling organised criminal networks.

“After the warrants were executed, other teams from across the force and council carried out further checks involving immigration, financial and child exploitation.”

A property growing cannabis was uncovered, officers removed and seized all the plants.

NPT’s Sergeant Maw said: “We want the best for our communities, we want everyone to be safe from harm, and part of that is ensuring that criminal products do not put lives in danger.

“Behind every fake item is the potential for injury, harm or death and every pound spend fuels those who exploit, intimidate and harm our communities, and that will not be tolerated.

“We will continue to work with colleagues across other agencies to remove dangerous products from our streets and hold those responsible accountable.”

Following the operation, enquiries are progressing to take action against those involved.

One of the shops targeted was at the centre of a huge child sex investigation earlier this year.

Bawan Harwe, a 28-year-old Iraqi national, was jailed for 32 years in June for raping young girls while a manhunt was launched for his accomplice Sharam Muhamadi, 21, originally from Iran, who went on the run from police.

Both worked at Hexthorpe Mini Market in Hexthorpe.

Hawre was found guilty following a four-week long trial at Sheffield Crown Court, for a string of offences relating to child sexual exploitation.

During the trial, Muhamadi, was also found guilty of multiple modern slavery offences.

The two men arranged to meet the girls in person, where the girls were transported from Barnsley to Doncaster.

The jury heard how the girls were given alcohol and drugs, after which six of the girls were raped by Hawre.