Key Points:
Portsmouth in the UK has launched a large-scale crackdown on illegal tobacco activities, seizing 83,000 counterfeit cigarettes and e-cigarettes. 、
Local council members have been involved in the efforts to combat illegal tobacco that poses health and safety risks.
The government has increased enforcement efforts to protect community health and crack down on illegal trade.
According to a report from Portsmouth on August 12, a large-scale raid was carried out in Portsmouth, UK, resulting in the seizure of over 83,000 illegal cigarettes, as well as illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products worth tens of thousands of pounds. This operation, supported by Portsmouth North Councillor Amanda Martin, aimed to crack down on the increasing problem of illegal tobacco trade in the area.
In this operation, the city council's trade standards team conducted a raid on four stores and one car in the northern area, seizing a total of 83,740 cigarettes, 10 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco, 9.8 kilograms of shisha, and 1,648 packs of illegal e-cigarettes. Councilor Martin stated, "I was involved in this important raid and was shocked by the seriousness of the issue. With the help of sniffer dogs, we found a large amount of illegal tobacco products intended for distribution at a central location.
According to reports, these counterfeit tobacco products not only exceed the legal nicotine content but also contain toxic substances such as arsenic, lead, and even animal feces. Illegal e-cigarettes may also contain harmful metals and chemicals, posing a serious threat to public health.
Martin expressed full support for the government's efforts to strengthen enforcement by the Trade Standards Bureau, and plans to raise the issue of these illegal activities in parliament to ensure strict measures are taken against those profiting from them, protecting the health and safety of the community.
The spokesperson for the city council added that if the seized cigarettes are genuine, their market value would exceed £63,000 (approximately $90,000 USD), while counterfeit cigarettes are typically sold clandestinely under the counter for around £5 (approximately $7 USD) per pack. Hand-rolling tobacco is valued at approximately £7,000 (approximately $9,449 USD) at retail price, with counterfeit products being even cheaper. Based on an average price of around £7.50 (approximately $10 USD) per e-cigarette, the seized e-cigarettes are estimated to be worth around £12,300 (approximately $16,604 USD).
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