In a sweeping operation across Grimsby and Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire Council’s trading standards team, in tandem with Humberside Police, have intercepted a staggering £140,000 worth of illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes. The 21st March operation saw the seizure of over 90,000 cigarettes, 20kg of tobacco, and almost 5,000 illicit vapes from various local businesses. This forms part of a relentless campaign against counterfeit and illicit tobacco products. The raids targeted premises on Pasture Street and Cross Coates Road in Grimsby, as well as Cross Street and High Street in Cleethorpes. Several shops had hidden storage areas unveiled by scent-sniffing search dogs and promptly exposed by officers. Councillor Ron Shepherd, the man in charge of safer communities, warned that such products not only evade duty but are also untested and potentially dangerous. Since 2021, the trading standards team in North East Lincolnshire has confiscated illicit tobacco products worth nearly £2.2m.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
