More illegal tobacco seized thanks to tip-off
A tip-off from a concerned member of the public led to nearly 1300 suspected illegal cigarettes being seized from a shop premises in Cowley on Friday July 20.
The raid follows the seizure of more than 20,000 smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes from the same premises in a joint operation on 20th May by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards officers and Thames Valley Police.
Illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to start smoking, as it is sold at cheap prices, and it also makes communities more attractive to criminals, who may have links to organised crime groups.
Jodi Kerman Operations Manager, Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council added: “We are very grateful to the public who provide the intelligence that is vital to help us tackle the illegal tobacco trade.
"Anyone with concerns can report them anonymously online to Trading Standards at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk or call the Illegal Tobacco Hotline on 0300 999 6 999.”