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Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized from shops

Kris HollandNorthamptonshire
News imageWest Northamptonshire Council A case packed full of packs of cigarettes is held open by a hand covered with a black glove. The case is surrounded by other packs of cigarettes on the floor and a cardboard box of more cigarettes.West Northamptonshire Council
Many of the illegal cigarettes were hidden, officers said

Thousands of illegal cigarettes have been seized from shops following a two-day operation by trading standards.

Officers from West Northamptonshire Council visited eight stores in Northampton and Daventry on 25 and 26 March and seized goods from seven of them.

The team recovered 3,743 packets of illicit cigarettes, 23kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco, 198 illegal vapes and £10,000 in cash.

In three instances, the items were found in cars parked outside the shops, with one haul discovered behind a false wall and another on electric-powered shelving concealed under the shop's serving counter.

Some of the cigarettes and tobacco found did not meet British safety standards and were intended for sale in other countries, which officers said meant UK duty had not been paid.

It follows an earlier operation where trading standards seized thousands of illegal cigarettes in the same towns in February.

News imageWest Northamptonshire Council Four clear plastic bags packed full of boxes of cigarettes. Each is sealed with a red cable tie.West Northamptonshire Council
Some of the seized goods did not meet British safety standards

Andrew Last, council cabinet member, said: "The action we're taking is part of national efforts to stamp out this illegal market."

Neighbourhood policing inspector Tor Lindsay said: "Illegal tobacco and illicit vapes are not harmless bargains - they are often linked to organised criminal activity and pose real risks to public safety.

"The concealment methods uncovered during this operation show the lengths some businesses will go to in order to evade the law, and we will not hesitate to take firm action against those who choose to profit from illegal and unsafe goods."

The council added that the confiscated goods would be destroyed.

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