Nearly nine kilograms of illegal tobacco, 13,000 illicit cigarettes, 123 units of nicotine patches and 51 single use vapes were seized by Oxfordshire County Council‘s Trading Standards team in a series of raids in Oxford.

Seven shops in Cowley and Headington were visited by the team with specialist tobacco detection dogs across March 29 and 31.

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The total street value of the haul was estimated to be £7,500.

Raids on seven shops in Cowley and Headington saw £7,500 worth of products seized (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

Investigations into the illegal sales are ongoing, with premises facing potential criminal prosecution and additional sanctions like civil financial penalties and licensing reviews.

People suspected of having no legal right to work in the UK were also identified during the raids, and trading standards said it is liaising with Immigration Enforcement.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “There is no such thing as a safe cigarette, but it is still very concerning that counterfeit versions are so widely available, sold at pocket money prices by criminals who don’t care who they sell to. 

“Thank you again to our brilliant team for their work.

The illegal tobacco included 13,000 illicit cigarettes, nicotine pouches and vapes (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

“We know it can be hard to stop smoking, but help is available to anyone living in Oxfordshire.

“People are three times more likely to successfully stop by using a service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. It’s free to everyone living in the county.”

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The raids were part of Operation CeCe, an HMRC-funded national initiative tackling the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards operations manager, said: “The public can help us to create a healthier and safer Oxfordshire by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, anonymously if preferred, using our hotline. 

“The illegal tobacco criminality is relentless at the moment – but so are we.”

 Illegal tobacco sales can be reported by calling 0300 999 6 999 or anonymously online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

StarterMotor, an automotive charity based at Bicester Motion, will hold the event on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, 2.

StarterMotor is holding a two-day track festival at Bicester Motion (Image: Bicester Motion)

A relaxed own-car demonstration track experience will take place on the first day of the festival.

There are limited spaces and entry costs £50, £25 for a second driver and a £10 spectator donation.

Fellow specialists Harry Fraser Vehicle Upholstery and Hagerty are also putting on talks during the event.

There will also be a guided tour of the site and an exclusive screening of Paddock Speedshop’s upcoming TV show.

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An AutoSolo event will take place on the second day with a series of accessible courses for competitive precision driving and car control.

There are only 50 spaces available at £50 per competitor. A Clubmans RS licence is required for entry, which is free from Motorsport UK.

To participate in the festival, contact info@startermotor.co

In a recent feature with Hello! magazine, jewellery and interior designer Jade Jagger shows readers around Kempsford Manor, a Grade II-listed Georgian house near Fairford.

The 17th-century property, set in several acres of grounds, has been refurbished by the 52-year-old and designer Tom Bartlett, with updated interiors and a focus on family space and entertaining areas.

Ms Jagger is the eldest daughter of Sir Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger and grew up between her parents’ homes while her father toured with the Rolling Stones.

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She has since built a career in jewellery and interiors, working internationally while dividing her time between London and the Cotswolds.

Kempsford Manor includes multiple reception rooms, a large kitchen, 11 bedrooms and extensive gardens, making it suitable for extended family stays.

Outbuildings, orchard areas and greenhouses add to the estate-style set-up, with the house sitting close to the River Thames as it passes through the Gloucestershire countryside.

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Jade Jagger. (Image: PA)

The property reflects Jagger’s design interests, combining period features with contemporary furnishings and art.

Kempsford Manor is currently being marketed for sale through a high-end estate agent, with a guide price understood to be in the region of £3.5 million as per Rightmove.

Marketing details describe the property as a significant village manor house in the Cotswolds, highlighting the recent restoration and its size, layout and grounds.