Police smoke out criminal hiding places as they seize illegal tobacco

The local Paignton Neighbourhood Police Team, working alongside Brixham officers and partner agencies, has snuffed out more criminal activity.   

A significant quantity of counterfeit tobacco was seized and officers located a series of inventive concealment methods and places in which the illegal items were stashed. The operation took place on Monday 26 January.

Heart of the South West Trading Standards and HMRC joined police as they executed five warrants across Paignton – at both commercial and residential premises. A specially trained dog, which can help to sniff out tobacco, also took part in the operation.  

Paignton Inspector Pete Giesens explained: “This was a successful operation with our partner agencies and officers discovering several hiding places for illicit items, including concealed compartments behind a wall. Two vehicles were also seized and one person was arrested. Enquiries are ongoing and my officers will be working with local landlords to prevent any further offending.

“Consideration will also be given to the use of closure orders to disrupt this type of activity in the future and we plan more operations of this type. We would like to thank the public for their support and the information they give us.”     

Retail outlets that sell counterfeit and illicit tobacco are big business and these shops can undercut other local general stores who are trying to operate legally during difficult economic conditions. Because the tobacco is sold at pocket money prices by criminals who are not interested in asking for proof of age, it can encourage children and young people to start smoking.

Illegal tobacco products present a genuine health risk above and beyond that of legal tobacco, as they aren’t subject to the same quality control checks and are often found to contain high level of contaminates.

To report concerns about counterfeit goods, contact Trading Standards, email tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk or phone 01392 383000.

If you would like to report an incident or pass some information to Devon & Cornwall Police please visit our website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

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