Illegal cigarettes seized in Norwich
In a second operation within the county this week, illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco have been seized from two businesses in Norwich, one minimarket and one vape shop.
Following inspections by Trading Standards officers and Norfolk Police, in response to intelligence reports received, 27,620 illicit cigarettes and 8.2kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized from businesses in Norwich.
Councillor Scott Hussey, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, which includes Trading Standards, said: "Two seizures in one week suggests a persistent local supply chain, not isolated incidents. The scale of the seizures in both operations point to commercial-level distribution rather than casual selling.
"We are determined to do all we can within our powers to tackle this illegal activity on our high streets."
He added: "I want to thank our Trading Standards officers and Norfolk Constabulary for their swift and effective action, following up on intelligence to remove these illegal products from circulation. This is partnership working at its best and sends a clear message that Norfolk County Council will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco and will continue to take action to protect our residents."
The inspections were carried out on the morning of Thursday 4 June in Norwich as part of efforts by Norfolk Trading Standard to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco products across the county.
The illegal products have been secured pending investigation, while the matter is referred to HMRC's Track and Trace, whose national operation will trace the origins of the items and consider any relevant penalties.
Earlier this week, an operation in Great Yarmouth saw the seizure of 5,700 illicit cigarettes, 24 illegal vapes and hand rolling tobacco from businesses on King Street and Northgate Street.
In addition to regular intelligence-led inspections such as these, Norfolk Trading Standards continues to take part in Operation CeCe, a national initiative led by National Trading Standards in partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.
Anyone with information about illegal tobacco sales can help by reporting it through the following channels:
If you are being coerced into preparing, distributing or selling illegal tobacco, you can report it to HMRC online by searching 'report fraud HMRC' on GOV.UK, or by contacting the HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.
