Police in Kent County seize illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes

Aug.07.2024

Kent police raided eight shops in Gravesend, uncovering illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco hidden in secret compartments.

According to a report by the BBC on August 6th, Kent Police discovered illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco in eight shops in Gravesend, England.

These illegal items were found hidden behind a false wall and in other concealed areas of the store.

On Monday (5th), Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards, and the licensing department of Gravesham Borough Council conducted surprise inspections of these shops.

A police spokesperson stated that the authorities seized 881 illegal e-cigarettes, 44,180 illegal cigarettes, 126 nicotine pouches, and 8.65 kilograms of tobacco, as well as 103 packets of shisha.

Police Inspector Kirsty Dunne stated that...

This operation demonstrates the severity of the issue and the 'extreme measures' people take to avoid being caught. Selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco poses serious health risks to consumers and hinders law-abiding businesses.

In June, according to survey data released by Vape Superstore, one third of e-cigarettes sold in the UK between January 1st and February 29th 2023 did not meet regulations. Kent County Council confiscated the highest number of illegal e-cigarettes in the UK, totaling 431,005. Many of these illegal e-cigarettes entered through the European tunnel terminals and the port of Dover.

References:

[1] Illegal cigarettes found behind fake walls

Also Read:

[1] Kent County Trade Standards Department Seizes Over 14,500 E-cigarettes

[2] Rising Concerns Over Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in the UK.

[3] Surge in Illegal E-Cigarettes in Kent County, UK

[4] Kent County Council to Combat Illegal E-Cigarette Sales to Teenagers

#Europe #Law enforcement #United Kingdom #Illegal e-cigarettes

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