Our Trading Standards and Public Protection Officers recently worked with Kent Police to seize illegal cigarettes and tobacco with a street value of approximately £25,000.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 July, saw 58,200 illegal cigarettes and 24kilograms of hand rolling tobacco seized from shops across Chatham, Strood, Gillingham and Twydall.
Officers were supported by specialist sniffer dogs Bran and Griff.
In one shop, they were found hidden behind a live 240-volt electricity consumer unit with mothballs to try and mask the scent from the dogs. Others were found under a magnetic opening on top of a shelving unit and in crisp boxes on a shop floor. Two vehicles also contained illegal tobacco.
Following the operation, an arrest was made, with further investigations to follow.
We will continue taking action
Cllr Alex Paterson, Portfolio Holder covering Enforcement, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to our officers, and of course to our partners at Kent Police for their continued hard work in keeping our residents safe.
“The sale of illicit tobacco undermines our genuine retailers, who we rely on to act responsibly and protect children by not selling to under 18’s. This operation reinforces our message that illegal trading in Medway is unacceptable, and we will continue taking action against those who don't play by the rules, and put our residents at risk.”
Ensure cash and any other ill-gotten gains are seized
Chief Inspector Gary Woodward, District Commander for Medway, said: “The sale of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and other contraband is often connected to organised crime as significant profits can be made by those involved. We regularly work with enforcement officers from Medway Council and will continue to target those businesses that break the law and ensure cash and any other ill-gotten gains are seized.”
Those selling illegal tobacco can face penalties of up to £10,000 and even criminal prosecution in some cases.
You can report sales of illegal tobacco on the Medway Council website.