A seizure of illegal tobacco, valued at around £20,000, has been removed from supply in the South West.
Last week a joint operation was carried out at an address in Weston-super-Mare.
Partners from around the South West were involved and was led successfully by the South West Illegal Tobacco team.
Investigations are ongoing but early indication is that a high percentage of the tobacco seized appears to be counterfeit.
And the investigation took place as a result of intelligence that was submitted to the South West Illegal Tobacco team by concerned members of the public.
Ben Hayes, South West Illegal Tobacco lead officer, said, “We are always grateful to receive any information regarding the sale and supply of illegal tobacco.”
“Although we can’t always thank you publicly, we do look at every piece submitted with a view to taking action.”
He added, “Illegal tobacco is not just a tax issue, although the billions lost in revenue does deprive our beloved NHS of much needed resources.”
“Illegal tobacco is also a commodity used by criminal organisations as a way of generating cash for other criminal activities.”
“The availability of illegal tobacco undermines peoples attempts to quit smoking and makes it all too easy for children to get hold of, as they are sold at pocket money prices.”
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