Illegal tobacco seized in Swindon during joint operation

Last week, a regional joint operation seized illegal tobacco worth more than £28,000 in the town.

Led by HMRC, with the assistance from Swindon Trading Standards, South West Illegal Tobacco and Swindon South Neighbourhood’s Policing Team, the operation also involved using money detection dogs.

The enforcement focused on stores identified by HMRC and saw tobacco seized from three vehicles linked to the shops that were raided. Further investigations are still ongoing.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said: “It is important we continue to work closely with our partners to clamp down on this illegal activity because it is putting our residents at risk of serious harm.

“The ongoing cost of living crisis makes it more likely people will turn to illegal tobacco as it can be sold for as little as half the market price. Counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco have also been known to contain a mixture of lethal substances which are well in excess of the toxins found in ordinary cigarettes.

“The success of this operation send out a clear message to those who peddle illegal tobacco that we will not tolerate it in Swindon.”

Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “Illegal tobacco undermines stop smoking services and makes it harder for smokers to quit.

“We know that quitting smoking is the single biggest thing people can do to improve their health so it is really important we stamp out illegal tobacco in the town. I’d like to thank all our partners for their help in delivering this successful operation.”

Ben Hayes, Trading Standards Illegal tobacco regional lead, said: “The sale and supply of illegal tobacco funds serious and organised crime in and around your community, and people must think beyond it being a tax issue.

“All tobacco is dangerous, however some illegal cigarettes do not comply with safety laws and fail to extinguish if left unattended.  This could increase the risk of a fire at home.

“The availability of cheap illegal tobacco also creates an unfair advantage to legitimate businesses. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution and report illegal tobacco sales.”

PC Paul Bezzant from Swindon South Neighbourhood’s Policing Team said: “This is a good result from our work with our partners to clamp down on the illegal tobacco trade in Swindon.

“The sale of counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco causes significant health risk to members of the public as the ingredients are not regulated – they could contain anything.

“Please remember that members of the public can help us in the fight against this criminality by reporting anyone they suspect of selling smuggled or counterfeit tobacco.  They can report anonymously to Trading Standards at www.swillegaltobacco.info/report-it.”

Stopping smoking is one of the best things an individual can do to improve their health. Smokers can download the free NHS Quit Smoking app to help them quit and start breathing easier.

The app allows people to monitor their progress, see how much they’re saving and to get daily support. Individuals who can make it to 28 days smoke-free, are five times more likely to quit for good.

Swindon residents are able to access a free Stop Smoking service by contacting 01793 465 512 or 07341 077530. Alternatively, send an email to swindon.stopsmoking@nhs.net