Trading Standards officers and Kent Police seized contraband hidden in shops across Chatham, Strood, Gillingham and Twydall on 14 and 15 July, with one person arrested and further investigations continuing.
More than 58,200 illegal cigarettes and 24 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco — with a street value of around £25,000 — were seized from retail premises across four Medway towns during a two-day swoop on 14 and 15 July. Medway Council’s Trading Standards and Public Protection Officers ran the operation alongside Kent Police.
Shops in Chatham, Strood, Gillingham and Twydall were all targeted. Contraband turned up in some imaginative hiding spots: stashed behind a live 240-volt electricity consumer unit, with mothballs scattered nearby in an apparent attempt to kill the scent. More was found beneath a magnetic opening on top of a shelving unit. Some was simply stuffed inside crisp boxes on a shop floor. Two vehicles were also found to contain illegal tobacco.
One person was arrested. Investigations continue.
Two specialist sniffer dogs, Bran and Griff, helped officers work through the premises.
According to Chief Inspector Gary Woodward, District Commander for Medway, the illegal tobacco trade is frequently tied to organised crime, with significant profits available to those involved. He said Kent Police would continue to target businesses breaking the law and ensure cash and any other ill-gotten gains are seized. Those selling illegal tobacco can face penalties of up to £10,000 and, in more serious cases, criminal prosecution, according to the force.
And it’s not just a tax dodge. According to Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Enforcement, illicit tobacco undercuts honest retailers and makes it far harder to stop cigarettes reaching under-18s, as legitimate retailers are relied upon to act responsibly and not sell to those below that age.