Illegal tobacco is being sold openly by independent retailers across Birmingham Ladywood, Hodge Hill and Solihull, with recent test purchasing uncovering it in more than half of the independent shops that sell tobacco visited.
In the Home Secretary’s Birmingham Ladywood constituency, 17 of the 32 independent shops (53 per cent) visited that sell tobacco, were found to be selling illegal tobacco products.
In Hodge Hill & Solihull, 13 of the 35 independent shops selling tobacco visited (37 per cent) were found to be doing so, with all illicit tobacco products being concealed behind or beneath the counter.
The illegal tobacco products included counterfeit Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco, with some 30g pouches being sold for as little as £4. For comparison, the recommended retail price of a legal 30g pouch of Amber leaf is £27.95.
Other illicit tobacco brands being sold included Minsk, sourced from Belarus, and Topgun, as well as Benson & Hedges.
New research conducted this year for JTI shows 68 per centof Birmingham residents surveyed are concerned about the impact of illegal tobacco on their area.
Almost a quarter (23 per cent) say they are very likely to contact their MP or councillor about the issue. However, 66 per cent worry about the repercussions of reporting illegal sales.
Two-thirds of Birmingham residents surveyed believe higher tobacco taxes drive people towards seeking out cheaper alternative tobacco and 65 per cent of local smokers surveyed say they would consider buying illicit tobacco if duty rises continue.
Illicit tobacco costs the UK in excess of £2 billion in total tax losses each year. From 1 October 2026, smokers will face a double tobacco duty increase, with the usual annual RPI plus 2 per cent 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.
Two thirds (67 per cent) of Birmingham residents surveyed believe raising prices and taxes on legal tobacco are pushing people in their local area towards criminal behaviour, such as buying illicit tobacco.
Dale Stacey, Communications Manager at JTI UK, comments: “Whilst HMRC has seen an increase in reports, many consumers are understandably worried about repercussions if they report these crimes in their area. There is a proven link between illegal tobacco and international organised crime groups.
“Illegal tobacco costs the UK over £2bn every year in lost tax revenue – meaning the consequences for the taxpayer are significant. Illegal tobacco also puts legitimate retailers at a serious disadvantage and takes footfall and profit away from law-abiding stores.”
All evidence gathered from the test purchases will be handed to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs.
The It Costs More Than You Think Campaign can be viewed here: https://www.itcostsmorethanyouthink.co.uk/ - the dedicated retailer page outlines the risks of selling illegal tobacco, alongside helpful tips on how to spot illegal tobacco products and report stores selling illegal goods.