Illegal fireworks and counterfeit clothing were seized in a pre-Christmas crackdown across Middlesbrough.
Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Trading Standards team swooped on private houses and retail outlets.
They carried out checks to ensure fireworks complied with safety standards and that they were stored safely and not sold to children.
Three warrants were executed at private houses and the inspection of 22 retail outlets included two unlicensed retail sellers.
Officers seized fireworks, counterfeit clothing, handbags, trainers and illegal tobacco.
Investigations are ongoing.
The operation was part of a multi-agency programme.
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “The black market in fireworks and counterfeit goods is nothing more than organised crime, and puts members of the public in very real danger.
“Fireworks are explosives and therefore their storage and sales are subject to strict controls which the illegal sellers flout.
“This could lead to dangerous consequences for other members of the public living in the vicinity of the illegal store.
“The work by Trading Standards also ensures that Middlesbrough traders are not unfairly damaged by the black market, helping to protect the local economy and local jobs.”
As well as launching the Fireworks Hotline to report illegal sales, Trading Standards worked closely with other agencies including Cleveland Police, the fire brigade and the Council’s Neighbourhood Safety Team to identify and take action against illegal sellers.
Middlesbrough Council’s environmental health manager Judith Hedgley added: “The action we have taken this year sends out a clear message to illegal sellers – they have no place to hide and we will take swift action to protect the public from their activities.”
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