Police and trading standards officials seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco and tens of thousands of pounds in cash following a multi-agency operation in Hythe and surrounding areas. The week-long enforcement action, which concluded on Friday, January 23, 2026, targeted local businesses suspected of violating trading regulations and engaging in illegal activity.
The operation led to a major recovery on Tuesday, January 20, when patrol officers intercepted a suspicious van on the A20 in Newingreen. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 100kg of tobacco believed to have been smuggled into the country illegally. Officers also discovered and seized approximately £30,000 in cash during the stop.
Further investigations focused on Hythe High Street, where authorities inspected several businesses following reports of suspicious trading practices. During a search of one commercial premises, officials located a concealed compartment hidden beneath a countertop, which investigators believe was used to store counterfeit tobacco products.
The joint task force included representatives from Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards, and Immigration Enforcement. Authorities stated that the illegal tobacco trade is frequently used by organized crime groups to fund broader criminal enterprises. Officials emphasized that the sale of illicit products undermines legitimate businesses and bypasses public health measures. No arrests were explicitly detailed in the report, though investigations into the seized goods and the businesses involved remain ongoing.