Bradford West has been exposed as a hotspot for black-market tobacco, with more than seven in ten independent tobacco retailers visited in the constituency found to be selling illegal tobacco, claims a new report.
During a recent test purchasing operation commissioned by JTI’s It Costs More Than You Think, the campaigners were able to buy illegal tobacco products were bought from 34 of the 48 independent shops selling tobacco that were visited
Of those found to be selling illegal tobacco during the operation on 17 and 18 February 2026, 20 had previously been identified in past operations, suggesting there is insufficient deterrent to prevent repeat offending.
Official estimates show the illicit tobacco trade is costing taxpayers £2 billion nationally each tax year. The trade has been linked to organised crime, money laundering and human trafficking, including in the National Crime Agency’s recent Operation Machinize.
In Bradford West, illegal products were found hidden under the counter, in backrooms and basements, and in more unusual locations including boxes placed on or inside fridges, nearby vehicles and neighbouring properties.
They included counterfeit Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco, with some products being sold for as little as £4.00. For comparison, the recommended retail price of a legal 30g pouch of Amber Leaf is £27.95.
New polling, commissioned this year by the It Costs More Than You Think campaign, points to widespread public concern about the links between illegal tobacco and wider criminal activity.
The survey found 60% of Bradford residents surveyed are very concerned about the impact on local businesses struggling to compete with illegal sellers due to the illegal tobacco trade.
When it comes to tackling the problem, 76% of Bradford residents surveyed believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales, while 85% of Bradford West residents surveyed believe politicians are not doing enough.
More than half (51%) of Bradford residents surveyed believe illegal tobacco is a serious national issue tied to organised crime and public safety threats.
Of smokers surveyed in Bradford, 47% say buying illegal tobacco makes them more likely to consider purchasing other illegal goods.
Meanwhile, 81% of Bradford residents surveyed agree that rising tobacco taxes will increase the demand for illegal alternatives.
Over half (54%) of Bradford residents surveyed believe the trade of illegal tobacco is a serious issue that requires stricter enforcement.
Three in five (60%) of Bradford residents surveyed are very concerned by the impact of local businesses struggling to compete with illegal sellers due to the illegal tobacco trade.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of Bradford residents surveyed would stop and think if they saw an awareness campaign about illegal tobacco highlighting that it fuels organised crime and serious offences including human trafficking.
Three in four (76%) of Bradford residents surveyed believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales.
Half (51%) of Bradford residents surveyed believe illegal tobacco is a serious national issue tied to organised crime and public safety threats.
Four in five (81%) of Bradford residents surveyed believe the increase in tobacco taxes will increase the demand for illegal tobacco.From 1 October 2026, smokers will face a double duty increase, with the usual annual RPI plus 2% tobacco uplift applied alongside a one-off additional rise on cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco, introduced with the new vaping products duty.
Government figures show the one-off increase alone will add £1.21 to a pack of 20 cigarettes and £2.54 to a 30g pouch, creating a sharp price rise that risks pushing more consumers towards the black market.
All evidence gathered from the test purchases will be handed to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs.