Haul of illegal cigarettes seized from West Sussex shop

Friday, 10 December 2021 08:00

More than 200 packets of illegal cigarettes were seized from a shop in Worthing – with help from man's best friend.

The illicit haul was part of an operation led by West Sussex Trading Standards officers targeting rogue retailers, assisted by tobacco detection dog Yoyo.

Trading Standards Officers visited 3 shops in Worthing supported by Sussex Police following a tip-off claiming they were selling illegal tobacco.

A total of 205 packets of illegal cigarettes and 63 packets of tobacco were found at one of the shops.

Some of the items found were illegally imported into the UK without duty being paid and do not comply with the legal packaging and labelling requirements.

Peter Aston, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager said: “Sales of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products damage local communities and people’s health but also harms legitimate businesses – it’s certainly not a victimless crime.

“We always act on reports of illegal tobacco and urge anyone who has information to call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133, or report the details on our website.”

Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue said: “Yet again our Trading Standards Officers have demonstrated they will take action to stop the supply of illicit cigarettes and tobacco – and stop shopkeepers flouting the law.

“Sadly, too many people have had their lives cut short because of smoking, which is why tackling the supply of cheap, illegal tobacco is so crucial and must continue.

“I hope the results of this operation in Worthing send a strong message that if shop owners deal in illicit cigarettes, they should expect to be caught, have their stock removed and face criminal charges and possible investigation from HMRC if duty has been evaded

More from Sussex News

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2024: Results

All the information you need to know as the Local Election and Police and Crime Commissioner results come in for the South Coast.
UPDATE: Lightning strikes across the South Coast

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have had a busy night dealing with lightning strikes
Four men taking on World’s Toughest Row benefit from university sports expertise

The rowing team from Lessons from a Boat visited the University of Chichester’s Sport Performance and Rehabilitation Unit (SPRU) recently to gain valuable insights into their physiological profiling ahead of their grueling race across the Atlantic.
Local Elections: Voting begins across the South Coast

The polls have opened across the South Coast for the local elections.
CCTV images released following theft of gold chain in Havant

Police in Havant are seeking the whereabouts of a man who contacted an online seller on Middle Park Way to purchase an expensive gold chain.
Man handed criminal behaviour order for shoplifting in West Sussex

A shoplifter has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for his prolific offending in Crawley.
Witness appeal following suspicious incidents in Arundel

Police are appealing for information following a series of linked incidents in Arundel.
Billingshurst train track reopened after major incident

A railway line in Billingshurst blocked after a train struck part of a level crossing has reopened.
MP for East Worthing and Shoreham will continue fighting for human rights

The Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham says he will continue to use his platform to raise awareness of human rights, despite being deported from Djibouti.
Train hits barrier in Billingshurst

A train has struck barriers at a level crossing in Billingshurst, disrupting services between Horsham and Arundel.