Illegal tobacco is seized in police raid

Police have seized illegal tobacco from a Cornwall property following an investigation by Trading Standards.

Jack Yates, from Trading Standards, explained that officers posing as members of the public had visited the premises to buy a sample of the tobacco and check its authenticity.

"All the 12 items purchased were found to be illegal to supply in the UK," he said.

The seizure at the premisies in Carharrack, West Cornwall, was the second of its kind in Cornwall in the last six months.

Last year, illegal tobacco believed to have a street value of more than £25,000 was seized from a property in Mid Cornwall.

Mr Yates said: "We are advising smokers not to be tempted by cheap tobacco as they don't know what it contains.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between counterfeit and genuine tobacco.

"The only way to ensure that the tobacco that you are smoking is legitimate is to purchase it through a trusted retailer."

According to Trading Standards, counterfeit tobacco is becoming increasingly prevalent, with criminals taking great care to ensure their product appears genuine.

Some criminals are fooling customers into believing they have bought non-UK duty-free tobacco by printing health warnings in foreign languages.

The money made from sales of illegal tobacco often funds serious organised crime, such as people trafficking and terrorism. And it can be lethal for smokers.

Lance Kennedy, Cornwall Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: "Illegal tobacco is thought to be responsible for four times as many deaths as drugs.

"By buying this tobacco you are increasing your chances of a terminal illness and also those of your family."