Untaxed cigarettes have been found behind false walls and in other hides during inspections at Gravesend businesses.
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The enforcement by Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards and Gravesham Council’s licencing department was completed on Monday 29 July 2024 in which officers seized 881 illegal vapes, 44,180 illicit cigarettes, 126 nicotine pouches and 8.65kg of tobacco from eight shops in the town. They also recovered 103 packets of shisha.
Inspector Kirsty Dunne of Kent Police said:
‘The results from this operation show the scale of the problem and the alleged lengths to which some people will go to avoid detection.
‘The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and also hinders law abiding businesses.
‘Kent Police will continue to work with our partners to stamp out the trade in unregulated tobacco and ensure those responsible are held to account for their actions.’