Police have seized nearly 20kg of illegal tobacco and around 40,000 illegal cigarettes from a shop, with the goods believed to be helping fund organised crime.

The stash, which also included boxes of illegal vape products at the store in Upper Stone Street, Maidstone, had an estimated street value of £45,356.

Officers also discovered an air-powered revolver that the business was not licensed to sell.

The raid took place at the business at around 3pm on Friday, February 28.

Officers were joined by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and Kent County Council Trading Standards as they carried out an inspection of the premises.

During the search, the force found two hidden compartments used to conceal the illegal goods.

One of the hiding spots required a strong magnet to open, while the other was accessed through a modified light switch.

PC Tom Cunningham, who led the investigation, highlighted the dangers posed by counterfeit tobacco and vape products.

“Counterfeit tobacco and vape products pose serious health risks to users,” he said.

“Their manufacture is not regulated, meaning they often contain harmful chemicals and substances not fit for human consumption, such as animal hair and human faeces.

“In a wider, detrimental impact to the community, those involved in the production and distribution of such goods are often connected with organised crime groups.

“These criminals have not only been found to breach employment regulations, but often participate in illegal activities such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and drug smuggling.”

Officers are urging the public to report any concerns about illegal tobacco and vape sales to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

No arrests have been reported following the raid, but police confirmed that the seized products will be destroyed.