Huge Haul of Ilicit Cigarettes Seized In Grimsby
They were found in the Freeman Street area yesterday.
A huge haul of cigarettes has been seized following a raid by trading standards officers in Grimsby.
Yesterday's find in the Freeman Street area is three times the amount that's been seized in the area over the past 12 months.
Sniffer dogs raided 6 properties and uncovered 300,000 packs of illicit cigarettes along with 130kg of illicit tobacco.
The estimated street value of the illicit cigarettes found yesterday is about ÂŁ80,000 and to buy them legitimately would cost ÂŁ200,500.
The seizure included some products which are suspected of being counterfeit, and other non-duty paid products which cannot be legally sold in the UK.
Operation Nightshade is an on-going initiative in North East Lincolnshire that aims to crack down on the supply of illicit tobacco and is the result of a partnership between North East Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Health and Well Being Board and the North East Lincolnshire Tobacco Alliance.
Councillor Terry Walker, portfolio holder responsible for public protection at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Trading Standards officers have dealt a huge blow to the trade in illicit tobacco in Grimsby.
“This is the most significant stash to have been uncovered during Operation Nightshade and is the result of a long-term, intelligence led campaign aimed at dishonest retailers who persist in flouting the law.
“Our officers, with the support of Humberside Police, have helped disrupt the supply chain of this trade in dangerous, illicit products.”
Neil Clark, community protection manager responsible for Trading Standards at NELC, added:
“Today’s actions have taken a massive quantity of illicit tobacco products off the streets of Grimsby, but we know there’s more out there.
“If you have information about any people or businesses selling counterfeit or illicit tobacco products in your community, please let us know.
“Report it to North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards on 01472 326299 (option 3). Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”