NORTH CAROLINA: More than 50,000 suspect illegal cigarettes worth more than £10,000 have been seized in raids in County Durham.
Three people were arrested as officers swooped on two premises, associated vehicles and a residential garage in the Willington and Sunnybrow area on Tuesday.
A total of 52,520 cigarettes and 5.7kg of hand rolling tobacco believed to be counterfeit or without appropriate health warnings were seized with an estimated street value of more than £10,000.
Police also uncovered an estimated £4,000 in cash which was confiscated.
Two men, one in his late 40s and one in his early 70s, and a woman in her late 60s were arrested on suspicion of the possession and supply of illicit tobacco and other offences.
Carried out by Durham County Council’s Consumer Protection Team and Durham Police, the operation came about as a result of intelligence received.
It is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt those suspected of being involved in supply and distribution of illicit tobacco in the county.
Joanne Waller, the council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Yet again we have been successful in targeting sellers of illicit tobacco at more than one level of the supply chain, tackling both the end sellers and those who are profiting from the wider distribution of illegal tobacco and the suspected criminal activity linked to it.
“Working with our partners in public health and the police, illicit tobacco enforcement is just one strand of many tobacco control measures put in place to achieve our long term ambition to reduce smoking prevalence in County Durham to five per cent by 2030.”
Since April 2015, 463,840 cigarettes and 677 pouches of hand rolling tobacco have been seized by council officials.
Further investigations are underway to probe the extent of the alleged supply network in County Durham.
Those found guilty of supplying counterfeit tobacco could face up to ten years in jail, unlimited fines and could have their assets seized.
Ms Waller added: “The message is clear to those still tempted to engage in the supply of illicit tobacco.
“Stop now or face the consequences of our rigorous enforcement actions.”
Anyone who wishes to report illicit sales of tobacco can do so in confidence by calling 0300 999 0000.
