More than £4,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and tobacco has been seized in Ilkeston, along with a vehicle believed to have been used in criminal activity.
Officers from the Ilkeston Safer Neighbourhood Team acted after noticing suspicious behaviour in the area of Club Row car park and Bath Street.
During the operation, officers recovered a quantity of illegal tobacco products and seized a vehicle thought to have been used in connection with the activity.
Police say the sale of illegal tobacco poses serious health risks and is often linked to organised crime.
Illegal tobacco is completely unregulated and can contain higher levels of toxic chemicals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead, along with other harmful contaminants.
Because it is often sold cheaply, police say it can also make tobacco products more accessible to children and young people.
The illegal tobacco trade is estimated to cost the UK taxpayer around £2 billion each year in lost revenue.
Residents with information about illegal tobacco sales are encouraged to report it to Derbyshire Constabulary.
Reports can be made via the police website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
