More than £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco products are seized in Hebburn and Jarrow
Trading Standards have seized thousands of illegal tobacco products from South Tyneside shops.
Tip offs from members of the public have helped Trading Standards officers seize thousands of illegal cigarettes and tobacco across Hebburn and Jarrow.
Two retailers were raided with the aid of sniffer dog Rosie, who uncovered more than 9,000 illegal cigarettes and around 5kg of hand‑rolling tobacco.
South Tyneside Council has stated that illicit products have a combined street value of more than £10,000.
The operation formed part of Operation Cece, a UK-wide initiative led by Trading Standards in partnership with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that aims to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco products.
Officers from South Tyneside Council’s Trading Standards team carried out enforcement visits with colleagues from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).
‘A really successful operation’
Councillor Karen Pittuck, Lead Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, has welcomed the success of the operation and highlighted that impact that illegal tobacco products can have on the local community.
She said: "This was a really successful operation resulting in significant seizures.
"It is important to remember that the sale of illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime.
"Dealers often target children and young people, putting them at risk of developing a harmful addiction.
“It also undermines legitimate businesses, puts cheap and unregulated products into our communities and is often linked to organised criminal activity.
“This operation shows how seriously we take reports from residents and businesses and how effective partnership working can be.
“I would encourage anyone with concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco to continue to report it so we can take action.”
‘Another powerful display of partnership’
NEROCU Detective Sergeant Neil Lovat, has praised the efforts of everyone involved to ensure the safety of the public.
He added: “This has been yet another powerful display of partnership working resulting in the large seizure of illegal items that pose a serious risk to the public and our North East communities.
“I want to thank everyone involved for their work ensuring the safety of the public, including children, by removing these unregulated and dangerous items from circulation.”
Anyone wishing to report illegal tobacco in South Tyneside can do so via the Keep It Out hotline on: 0300 999 0000 or online at: https://keep-it-out.co.uk/.