Illicit tobacco operation in Scarborough uncovers 20,000 cigarettes and 4kg of tobacco
The items were worth more than £12,000.
Last updated 7th Dec 2021
A trading standards operation saw 20,000 cigarettes and four kg of tobacco seized at three Scarborough shops.
Illicit tobacco is cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco that is counterfeit or has been smuggled into Britain without tax having been paid.
Specialist tobacco detection dogs, which can find concealed tobacco and cigarettes were used and one found items concealed in a wall cavity that would not have otherwise been discovered during the raids.
In addition to having any stock confiscated, offenders could face unlimited fines and up to ten years in prison if found in possession for supply.
North Yorkshire County Councillor Derek Bastiman, Executive Member for Trading Standards, said:
“The supply of illicit tobacco will not be tolerated. We will continue to adopt a zero tolerance approach to these matters and use every enforcement technique at our disposal to disrupt this activity.”
The County Council’s Tobacco Control Strategy encourages communities to reshape social norms so that tobacco becomes less desirable, less acceptable and less accessible. Anyone with information about illegal tobacco can call the Illegal Tobacco Reporting Line on 0300 999 0000 or use the online reporting form at www.keep-it-out.co.uk