MCV Community Update - Significant seizure as Multi-Agency Operation Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales

MCV Community Update - Significant seizure as Multi-Agency Operation Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales

Dear, Resident

MCV Community Update - Significant seizure as Multi-Agency Operation Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales

Officers from the Neighbourhood Task Force (NTF), local neighbourhood policing teams (NPT), Trading Standards, and Border Force, alongside a specialist detection dog trained to locate Class A drugs and illicit tobacco products, recently joined forces to conduct a coordinated operation across retail premises in Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and Swanley.

The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco products, disrupt criminality linked to organised crime groups and ensure businesses within our communities are operating lawfully. Nationally, Trading Standards and partner agencies continue to target illegal tobacco sales through initiatives such as Operation CeCe, which has removed millions of illicit cigarettes and large quantities of hand-rolling tobacco from circulation.

During the operation, officers attended a retail premises in Swanley, where a thorough search was conducted. As a result, a significant quantity of suspected counterfeit and illicit cigarettes and tobacco products were located in an area above the shop premises. The products were seized by Trading Standards officers as part of their ongoing investigation into the supply and sale of illicit tobacco. Trading Standards officers have a range of enforcement powers relating to counterfeit and illegal tobacco products through consumer protection, trademark and tobacco legislation. 

Investigations remain ongoing, and Trading Standards will now examine the seized goods, intelligence gathered during the operation and evidence identified within the premises. Information obtained may assist in identifying wider supply networks and any individuals responsible for the distribution of illicit tobacco products.

Operations of this nature demonstrate the effectiveness of joint working between police, Trading Standards and Border Force partners. The sale of illegal tobacco not only undermines legitimate businesses but is frequently linked to wider organised criminality, making enforcement activity such as this an important part of keeping our communities safe.

Kent Police and partner agencies will continue to act on intelligence received from members of the public and carry out targeted operations aimed at disrupting criminal activity across the district.

If you have information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco, counterfeit goods, or other criminal activity, please report it to Kent Police, Trading Standards or Crimestoppers anonymously.