7m illegal cigarettes seized in year

SEVEN million illegal cigarettes have been seized in the West Midlands in just 12 months.

And Trading Standards officers, aided by specialist sniffer dogs, have also uncovered 478kg of rolling tobacco.

The figures for the 2017-2018 financial year were revealed by the Central England Trading Standards Authorities.

The haul is valued at £3 million and represents a loss to the taxpayer of £2 million.

The statistics provide chilling proof of a steady rise in backstreet baccy barons.

The latest figures represent a 30 per cent rise in the previous year’s seizures – and that was a record.

In one operation alone, 50,000 counterfeit fags and 300 pouches of rolling tobacco were uncovered by Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards officers.

The team, accompanied by specialist detection dogs from Wagtail UK, found the baccy booty in March at retail units in Evesham and Redditch.

Those dealing in the goods are getting more inventive and sophisticated when it comes to concealing their stash.

Hiding places discovered in shop have included concealed compartments operated by electronic magnets, hydraulic compartments in floors, fridges with false backs and cavity wall banks.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Worcester Council cabinet mem- ber for communities, said: “Far from being a victimless crime, illegal tobacco trade creates a cheap source for children and young people. Whilst all tobacco is harmful, the illegal tobacco market, and in particular the availability of cheap cigarettes, undermines Government health policies aimed at reducing the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking. The loss to the taxpayer means less money being spent on local communities, schools and the NHS.”

Shops caught with fake cigarettes risk having their alcohol licences suspended or revoked for dealing with illegal tobacco products.

Bob Charnley, Chairman of Central England Trading Standards Authority, said: “Combating illegal tobacco has become an increasing priority for Trading Standards services across the region. The illegal tobacco trade has strong links with criminal gangs, drug dealing, money laundering, people trafficking and even terrorism.”