Tobacco seized in crackdown on illegal sales across Lancashire

An operation to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal tobacco in Lancashire uncovered 17,500 cigarettes and 2.85kg of hand-rolling tobacco, all believed to be illicit.
Tobacco seized in crackdown on illegal sales across LancashireTobacco seized in crackdown on illegal sales across Lancashire
Tobacco seized in crackdown on illegal sales across Lancashire

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) visited 42 retail premises and three self-storage units around the county on Tuesday.

The visits, supported by Trading Standards, led to suspected non-duty paid tobacco being seized including 17,500 cigarettes, 2.85kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 1,092 cigars, worth an estimated £5,781 in evaded duty.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A small amount of alcohol, counterfeit perfume and Class C drugs were also seized. Seizures were made from 11 of the premises visited.

Tim Atkins, assistant director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said:“The sale of illegal tobacco will not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies. Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2.5bn a year.

“This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders.

“We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco to report it online or call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”