According to a report from Manchestereveningnews on October 15th, a significant quantity of tobacco and e-cigarettes, weighing a total of two tons, has been seized from illicit stores in the town of Bolton, in the United Kingdom. During a surprise inspection, the police discovered over 2000 counterfeit cigarette packs in various shops within the city.
Officials from the Trade Standards Bureau conducted the search after receiving intelligence regarding the sale of counterfeit cigarettes in the area. Of particular concern is the fact that these illegal products are being sold to students and young people. In a recent round of searches, law enforcement officers and Trade Standards Bureau officials were aided by sniffer dogs, leading to the successful discovery of hidden cigarettes within walls and refrigerators at two locations. These cigarettes have since been seized temporarily and await further scrutiny.
A commercial entity, whose name has not been disclosed due to its involvement in a criminal investigation, is currently under scrutiny. In the past five months, authorities have seized two tons of illicit items, including 23,500 non-compliant e-cigarettes that were uncovered during a series of surprise inspections.
Lynn Donkin, the Public Health Director of Bolton, stated:
Tobacco’s harmful effects on health are well-documented. It is a leading cause of lung cancer and increases the risk of other types of cancer. Additionally, it contributes to premature births, childhood asthma, heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
Sue Haworth, director of the regulatory services department at Bolton City Council, stated:
Cracking down on illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes has always been a priority for the city hall, and the confiscation of these banned items is a testament to the ongoing efforts of our trade standards officials.
As a result of ongoing efforts, she is urging retailers to review their inventory of tobacco and e-cigarette products to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
“Selling e-cigarette products to individuals under the age of 18 is a criminal offense. Both store owners and sales personnel are equally responsible for this action.”
