Increase In Complaints About Illegal Tobacco And Cigarettes In North Yorkshire
There's been an increase in complaints about illegal tobacco and cigarettes in North Yorkshire according to Trading Standards.
An investigation's underway after a number of illegal tobacco and cigarettes were seized in Filey.
North Yorkshire Trading Standards and Police visited the shop last week.
It's prompted officers to ask people to report anyone they know are supplying the products.
David Miller, who is from North Yorkshire Trading Standards, said:
"We receive complaints about illicit tobacco and where it's been sold.
"It's our role at Trading Standards to identify the sellers of the illicit product and take action against them.
"We receive complaints from a variety of different sources, but one thing we can say is that the number we receive is rising.
"It's probably due to several factors and lockdown and Covid is probably one of them.
"Obviously tobacco is an expensive product and people who want to smoke are known to take opportunities to buy the cheaper product as and when it's available.
"With the rise of social media, we do realise the ability for people to get hold of it is increasing.
"You're probably aware that not that long ago, all tobacco was required to be sold in standardised packaging, which is the olive green colour.
"If any tobacco is sold in packaging which doesn't have that olive green packaging, without any marketing or images on there, then they can pretty much tell that's pretty much counterfeit or illicit.
"All tobacco is dangerous of course, however people don't necessarily realise that there are additional risks associated to the supply of illicit tobacco.
"For example, we know that kids are able to purchase it easier than they would do if they were to go to a legitimate shop.
"We know that the money associated to the supply of illicit tobacco don't go back to genuine retailers, so they're losing out.
"We also know that on occasion, the money behind illicit tobacco goes back to criminal gangs and organised crime groups.
"What we would suggest is that if anyone has any knowledge of other people supplying this, let us know.
"If they think that they're purchasing it themselves, then simply stop it.
"We would suggest that you stop smoking entirely of course, as opposed to just illicit tobacco."
You can report anonymously by visiting: keep-it-out.co.uk or calling 0300 999000 or visiting North Yorkshire Trading Standard's website here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/trading-standards