Crackdown to stub out illegal tobacco gangs
THEY snare children into a life time of smoking, fund organised crime, enabling people trafficking, child exploitation, money laundering, even terrorism.
Millions arrive in container ships from China, Russia and Eastern Bloc countries.
They end up in small shops across Greater Manchester – often, literally under the counter, or in concealed cabinets.
Now a region-wide campaign aims to dismantle the networks behind the smuggling and sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
Packets of fake cigarettes are being sold for £4 to £6 for 20, when the price for genuine ones is £10 to £12. Rogue retailers have been targeted in a recent operation in Manchester in a bid to reduce supply and demand. Locals have tipped off trading standards about shops selling illegal tobacco to children, which can get them hooked, and to adults who would otherwise be unable to afford the habit.
Between April and September 2021, a ‘Keep It Out’ campaign, run across Manchester triggered 30 reports of illegal tobacco being sold and raids seized more than 107,000 illegal cigarettes and 15kg illegal hand rolling tobacco, worth £160,000.
So far since April, officers have visited and removed illegal tobacco from more than 70 different shops.
Many of those are now under investigation with a view to prosecution. Due to the pressure on courts coping with the aftermath of the lockdowns, where suitable, alternative enforcement strategies will be considered. But, potentially, anyone found guilty of selling smuggled or fake tobacco will face penalties from the police, local authority and HMRC - fines, tax bills, removal of alcohol licences, shop closures or prison sentences.
Andrea Crossfield, Making Smoking History Lead at the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The crackdown on illegal tobacco is part of Greater Manchester’s wider efforts to cut smoking rates and make smoking history for future generations.
“All tobacco kills but illegal tobacco enables underage kids to start smoking, as people who sell illegal tobacco will sell to kids, and, through cheaper prices, prevents smokers from quitting a habit that kills one in two who do it. It is simply not acceptable to buy or sell illegal tobacco products.”