THOUSANDS of illegal cigarettes were seized by Trading Standards during raids on two North-East shops.
More than 23,000 illicit cigarettes were found in two Darlington shops after they were raided by Darlington Borough Council and Darlington police, with the help of specially trained tobacco dogs.
The operation was carried out using intelligence from members of the public, and 116 packs of hand rolling tobacco were also seized.
Five people have been arrested following the raid, which took place on Monday (July 20).
Nigel Green, principal Trading Standards officer, said: “Trading Standards successfully carried out the raids after receiving intelligence about the unlawful sales from these premises.
“Whilst all tobacco products are harmful to health, with illicit and counterfeit tobacco products you simply do not know what you are getting. These raids will serve as a warning to other people not to sell illegal tobacco – you will be caught and stopped.”
Anyone with information on counterfeit or illicit goods should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800-555-111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article