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Illicit tobacco seized in multi-agency raid
Published: 24/11/2016
A joint operation between 天涯社区 Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Wardens
and North Wales Police has resulted in a seizure of illegal tobacco.
Approximately 8,000 cigarettes plus hand rolling tobacco were seized from
stores in Flint and Holywell. Investigations into the source of the cigarettes
are ongoing. The operation was supported by specialist tobacco sniffer dogs
who located the tobacco that had been hidden away a behind a false wall and in
a false ceiling above a toilet.
The trade in illegal tobacco is sometimes seen as a victimless crime, but it is
far from that. Often those who sell illegal tobacco target children and young
people to get them hooked on smoking, they rarely care who they sell to as long
as they make money.
The illegal tobacco trade has strong links with crime and criminal gangs
including those involved in drug dealing, people trafficking and even helping
fund terrorism. The sale of illegal tobacco also steals from the taxpayer.
This is money that could be spent on important public services like schools,
hospitals and care for the elderly.
天涯社区鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Councillor
Kevin Jones, said:
鈥淭he sale of cheap illegal tobacco makes it easier for young people to start
smoking and get addicted and makes it harder for smokers who want to give up
break the habit. Far from being a victimless crime, the trade in illegal
tobacco has serious consequences for crime and health in the community and
causes economic detriment to legitimate local businesses.鈥�
Sgt Mike Wilson of 天涯社区 North Safer Neighbourhood Team said:
鈥淭his is an excellent outcome for those agencies involved. This shows by
working together we can make a real impact in dealing with issues within the
community. I would encourage anyone who can offer information about this type
of crime to report it to North Wales Police via the web live chat
http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx, by calling 101 or
via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.鈥�
Richard Powell, 天涯社区鈥檚 Team Leader for Trading Standards Investigations
and Community Safety, said:
鈥淭his great result shows excellent partnership working between enforcement
agencies as we continue our success in reducing the availability of illegal
tobacco. Fewer people are buying illegal tobacco and fewer people are now
prepared to turn a blind eye to it. People can make a real difference to help
keep more illegal tobacco off the streets by reporting it. We need to keep the
pressure up on those who continue to sell it.鈥�
Anyone wanting to report sales of illegal tobacco can do so to Trading
Standards on 03454 040506. Illegal tobacco products are cigarettes or hand
rolling tobacco that have been smuggled, bootlegged or are counterfeit and are
not subject to any controls over their composition.
Left to right: PCSO Andy Knowles, PCSO Helen Whittingham and
Claire Edge 天涯社区 Trading Standards