Over 66,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized by Croydon Council’s trading standards team during a crackdown on illicit tobacco sales across the borough.
The haul included 18kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 11kg of shisha. The goods would have had an estimated retail value of more than £70,000 is sold legally.
Six shops were targeted as part of the operation, which was launched following intelligence suggesting illegal tobacco was being sold. Currently, it is understood that investigations are still ongoing.
During the raids, officers found vehicles being used to store contraband. One vehicle linked to the investigation was seized by the council and removed – it will be destroyed within 28 days if it is not claimed.
The council said illegal tobacco sales are often linked to organised criminal activity, harm legitimate businesses and reduce tax revenues that fund public services. The latest operation forms part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s wider campaign against antisocial behaviour in the borough.
Mr Perry said: ‘Illicit tobacco sales are not a victimless crime. They are often linked to organised crime and are a blight on Croydon’s residents and genuine businesses.’
‘This operation demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach to those who profit from criminal activity at the expense of our communities,’ he continued. ‘If you are selling illegal tobacco in Croydon, we will take action.
‘I would also encourage residents to report concerns about illicit tobacco sales so that we can continue to protect local businesses and keep our neighbourhoods safe.’
Meanwhile, separate research by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) suggests illicit tobacco continues to account for a significant share of the UK market. The charity estimates around 10.5% of cigarettes and 22.9% of hand-rolling tobacco consumed in the country are sourced illegally.
Image: Haim Charbit/UnSplash
In related news:
Law change would stop victims of domestic abuse losing their homes
Leave a Reply