Hull: Illicit tobacco and cigarettes seized following proactive work

Message from Humberside Police:

Over recent weeks, officers from our Neighbourhood Policing and licensing teams have been working partnership trading standards to remove a large sum of illicit tobacco and cigarettes from our streets.

Visiting several premises across the area of Hull including, Beverley Road, Great Thornton Street, Holderness Road the team have successful seized an estimated £50,000 worth of goods.

The investigation is now being led by Trading Standards.

PC Dave Nimmo said: “It might seem like we’re just taking cheap tobacco off the streets but we’re doing it to protect you – these are not victimless crimes.

“This offending is used to fund organised crime gangs and has been linked to modern day slavery and human trafficking operations.

“When you buy these products, you could also be putting your own health at risk. Not only has no duty been paid on them but they’ve not been tested to ensure they’re safe.

“Counterfeit tobacco products often contain all kinds of harmful substances.

“We hope that this latest action will send a stark warning to anyone involved in this type of crime, that we will seek every avenue to disrupt them.”

“If you have information about counterfeit goods in your area call us on our non-emergency number 101 and let us help make our communities safer for everyone.