Kent police seize thousands of illicit smoking products following inspection in Gravesend shops

During an inspection of eight shops in Gravesend, Kent, police seized thousands of untaxed, illicit smoking products.

881 illegal vapes, 44,180 illicit cigarettes, 126 nicotine pouches, 8.56kg of tobacco, and 103 packets of shisha were recovered by Kent police.

One shop owner had hidden untaxed cigarettes behind a fake wall.

Inspector Kirsty Dunne of Kent Police said: "The results from this operation show the scale of the problem and the alleged lengths to which some people will go to avoid detection.

"The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and also hinders law abiding businesses.

"Kent Police will continue to work with our partners to stamp out the trade in unregulated tobacco and ensure those responsible are held to account for their actions."

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