A significant amount of illegal tobacco was seized in Felixstowe, Suffolk Council reported today (11) as agencies continue to protect consumers by cracking down on this serious crime.
Suffolk Trading Standards worked closely with the police and Wagtail UK Limited on the operation, which saw undercover officers purchase illegal tobacco from a premises in the town centre of Felixstowe before carrying out a raid.
During the raid, Billy, the sniffer dog, discovered 8,180 cigarettes and 7,450g of hand-rolled tobacco, which is suspected to have been illegally imported into the UK. The haulage has been detained by Suffolk Trading Standards for further assessment as part of their ongoing investigation into the retailer.
Officers believe that all items were illegally imported into the UK, without duty being paid, meaning that they do not comply with legal packaging and labelling requirements and could prove dangerous to the public.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection and Communities commented, “I am delighted that this latest operation has proved such a success and would like to thank officers and partners for their ongoing efforts to rid Suffolk of illegal tobacco trading.
“This is far from being a victimless offence as the sale of illegal tobacco has been linked to organised crime, with this often being the gateway into county lines and the drug supply chain.
“Everyone can play their part in stopping this by reporting illegal tobacco to keep it off the streets and put pressure on those who continue to sell it.”
Illegal tobacco costs the UK economy around £2 billion each year in lost taxation – depriving vital public services, such as the NHS, of much-needed revenue.
It also provides a cheap source of tobacco for children and young people, encouraging them to take up an unhealthy habit which could last a lifetime.
To use this website you must be aged 18 years or over. Please verify your age before entering the site.
