Kent Police and Trading Standards executed a joint warrant at a Commercial Road premises in September 2026, arresting a 34-year-old Tunbridge Wells man who has been bailed until December.
Kent Police executed a warrant at a shop on Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, following information received by officers that untaxed tobacco was being sold from the premises. What they found was more than 3,000 packets of illicit cigarettes, stashed in makeshift hides and concealed storage areas within the property.
A 34-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells was arrested and has since been released on bail until 1 December 2026 while further enquiries are made. Kent Trading Standards joined officers for the joint operation, which was carried out earlier that month.
Detective Inspector Lisa Featherstone said the sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and hinders law-abiding businesses. She added that Kent Police would continue proactive operations to tackle the trade in unregulated tobacco and hold those responsible to account.