80,000 counterfeit cigarettes seized in Stoke-on-Trent this week
Staffordshire police officers joined forces with Stoke-on-Trent City Council Trading Standards officers, colleagues from HM Revenue and Customs and Immigration Services to make unannounced visits to nine convenience stores across the Stoke-on-Trent area this week.
With the help of specially trained dogs, over 80,000 cigarettes and 20 kilograms of tobacco, all believed to be counterfeit, were found during the two day operation. The goods had been concealed behind false walls, stored away in hidden cupboards and underneath shelving units.
In total four individuals were reported to the Immigration Services, and a man was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Two vehicles were seized along with £1000 in cash and a number of mobile phones.
Investigations into where the cigarettes came from on are ongoing.
Chief Inspector John Owen, neighbourhood policing team commander, said: “This is a significant amount of goods which have been seized, and we suspect that they are likely to be linked to organised crime groups to fund criminal activity.
“We take the supply of illegal cigarettes very seriously and we will pursue those who sell them. Unregulated products can pose a serious health risk and these goods are not taxed or legally brought into the country.
“These results demonstrate the strength of partners working collectively to protect our communities. We will continue to work together to tackle rogue trading and unlawful behaviour by businesses.”
A city council spokesman added: “This is a crime which damages communities and harms legitimate businesses and we will take action against traders who knowingly sell it. Counterfeit tobacco is damaging to people’s health and seriously undermines the work of stop smoking services. We are committed to working with partners to get these goods out of circulation.”
Anyone with information about people or businesses selling counterfeit or illicit tobacco can report it by calling the fakes hotline on 01782 238444.
Information about any type of tax fraud can be reported to HMRC online or by calling the Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.
Images and story via Staffordshire Police