A busy October for Hull City Council’s Tobacco Control Team has seen the total number of counterfeit cigarettes seized in the city this year reach two million. Last month, officers recovered 239,280 cigarettes, 8,856 packs of tobacco and 3,397 vapes. One single operation which targeted a major distributer in the city netted illegal products worth around £100,000.
So far in 2024, in addition to the two million cigarettes, the team has taken off the streets 21,916 tobacco packs and 42,403 vapes. The products are not subject to the safety standards imposed on legal goods, including fire safety measures and checks on the substances they contain.
The council’s Tobacco Control Team works closely with partners including Humberside Police to uncover illicit tobacco. With the help of intelligence and detection dogs, even the most creative hiding places have been foiled. These have included hidden a hidden compartment in a bin, behind a mirror, under a concrete drain and a chute from a flat above down to the shop below.
Cllr Charles Quinn, whose portfolio includes Public Protection, said: “The team does a fantastic job getting illicit tobacco off the streets as quickly as it arrives. No mater how smart those selling it and distributing it think they are, their tactics and hiding places can and will be exposed.
“Illegal tobacco isn’t just a cheaper option, it’s a serious problem. In addition to the risks posed by the total lack of regulation, the lower price prevents people quitting and targets children and young people. It can also be used to fund organised crime which damages communities.
“Information from the public about where goods are sold is vital in helping tackle this problem. Anyone who spots the signs can report it anonymously”.
Signs tobacco is counterfeit can include:
- A shopkeeper getting the goods from somewhere other than a cabinet behind the till
- No health warnings on the packet
- Unusual brand names
- Warnings in a foreign language
- A lower price than normal cigarettes/tobacco
- Being sold from somewhere unusual, including homes, market stalls, pubs and vanc
- Selling single cigarettes, particularly to children.
Report someone selling illicit tobacco anonymously to Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, or visit keepitout.co.uk and report anonymously online. For free support to stop smoking, search SmokeFree Hull, or call: 01482 977 617.
Access the internet for free at any of Hull’s libraries or Customer Service Centres.
