West Sussex Trading Standards continue to make significant strides in disrupting the trade of illegal cigarettes and tobacco. This month, a major raid in Horsham led to the seizure of 142,700 cigarettes and 1,461 packets of hand-rolling tobacco, marking a substantial achievement in the ongoing investigation into illicit tobacco trade.
To contextualise the magnitude of this operation, consider that in the entire fiscal year of 2023 to 2024, Trading Standards confiscated 162,640 cigarettes and 414 packets of hand-rolling tobacco. This single raid nearly matched the previous year’s total haul.
Cllr Duncan Crow, county council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, praised the operation, stating: “Trading Standards seized probably as much tobacco on that one day as we did in the whole of last year, which was a fantastic result by the team.”
The trade in illegal cigarettes and tobacco disproportionately affects disadvantaged individuals. Reports indicate that over half of all illicit tobacco smokers come from the most deprived socio-economic groups. Organised crime gangs exploit these smokers with fake, inferior, and potentially unsafe products, reaping enormous profits and often forcing people to work in shops or on the streets.
Counterfeit tobacco poses severe health risks due to higher levels of tar and nicotine, prompting Trading Standards to strongly discourage the public from purchasing seemingly cheap tobacco products.
In addition to tackling the sale of illegal tobacco, West Sussex Trading Standards is also investigating potential money laundering offences. They intend to use powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to ensure that these criminals do not financially benefit from their illegal activities.
The latest raid highlights the ongoing efforts and commitment of Trading Standards to protect the community from the dangers of illicit tobacco and disrupt the criminal activities associated with it.
