Counterfeit tobacco and £12k cash seized
TENS of thousands of suspected counterfeit and illicit cigarettes, tobacco and cash have been seized from a Widnes retailer in a Trading Standards operation.
Cheshire police officers joined forces with Halton Borough Council Trading Standards officers to conduct the raid as part of Operation Fastnet.
A council spokesman said the trader in question was allegedly involved in selling the goods from a Facebook account and also from a retail premises in Widnes.
More than 16,000 cigarettes were seized, worth £7,500, along with £12,000 in cash – believed by the local authority and police to be proceeds from suspected criminality.
In addition, a van alleged to have been used to distribute the counterfeit tobacco and two top of the range mobile phones were seized.
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “Obviously this case is the subject of an ongoing investigation and therefore, there is only so much information we can divulge.
“The targeted operation was a result of excellent partnership work with Widnes ● police and it highlights how different agencies can work together to reach a common goal.
“We are keen for Halton residents to understand the serious safety implications involved when buying cheap counterfeit cigarettes.
“Genuine cigarettes are designed to self-extinguish when left unpuffed, generally referred to as reduced ignition propensity cigarettes.
“Whereas counterfeit cigarettes, and even some cheap imports, will continue to burn with a higher propensity to cause a house fire resulting in fatalities.”
Cllr Cargill added: “We have a duty to protect the health of the residents of Halton and so it is important that Trading Standards officers actively pursue those involved in the sale of counterfeit and illicit cigarettes and tobacco. I would urge residents to speak up if they know or suspect someone is involved in selling counterfeit goods, all it takes is a brief anonymous phone call.”
Anyone with information relating to the sale of illicit cigarettes tobacco or alcohol can report it anonymously on the Halton Trading Standards Hotline For Alcohol And Tobacco on 0151 511 8787.