An undercover operation conducted by Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Crewe has shone a light on illicit tobacco activity in the town with eight stores found to be selling illegal tobacco products.
The exercise, which involved undercover operatives making multiple test purchases, has added to the growing evidence that illicit tobacco and vapes sales are rife across the UK.
Counterfeit Amber Leaf hand rolling tobacco was bought for as little as £3, compared to £38.10 for the genuine product. The highest price paid on the day was £7, also for a counterfeit version.
Counterfeit Winston cigarettes were bought for £4, compared to £14.25 for the genuine product.
Three of the stores tested were also found to be selling illegal products during a similar exercise in 2021.
All evidence and information gathered has been made available to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs in anticipation that it will support their efforts to enforce and prosecute anyone found to be selling illegal products.
“It is shocking that these criminals are selling illegal tobacco in the town where JTI has its national distribution centre and is a prominent employer," said Ian Howell, Public Affairs Manager at JTI UK.
Cheshire East Council has stated that, "illicit tobacco has proven links to organised crime and the sale of such products can contribute to human trafficking, modern slavery, prostitution and terrorism".
Howell added: “Crewe’s residents need to think about this when they are, or they see others, buying a cheap pack of cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco.
“JTI calls on anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes to contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, or through Cheshire East Council’s website.”
If anyone knows of a store that is selling illicit tobacco or vapes, they should report them by calling Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or contact HM Revenue & Customs’ Fraud Hotline (0800 788 887), or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
