Illegal cigarettes seized in joint operation in Walsall town centre
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Walsall Council has seized around 2,000 illegal cigarettes during a joint operation in Walsall town centre.
As part of a targeted enforcement operation, officers from Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team worked closely with West Midlands Police to inspect five premises on Thursday 22 January.
Issues were identified at one location, where approximately 2,000 illegal cigarettes were seized. Unlabelled toys were also removed from sale.
The operation was carried out in response to intelligence received about the illegal sale of cigarettes and vapes. This included information from a local resident who had knowingly purchased counterfeit cigarettes from a shop and subsequently became unwell after smoking them, highlighting the serious health risks associated with illicit tobacco products.
Cigarettes were found by officers in a wall concealment in a kitchen area, held closed using electromagnets. This had to be pried open with a screwdriver, showcasing the lengths sellers will go to hide their illegal goods.
“ The sale of illegal tobacco poses a real risk to public health and often goes hand in hand with other criminal activity.
“By working closely with our police colleagues, we are taking firm action to remove these products from our communities and protect residents from harm. We will continue to use every power available to us to tackle this type of activity. “
“ We carried out a joint operation less than a week later to target the stores that sold these harmful products. Cigarettes were seized in the operation and we continue to work together with our partners to target the illegal and dangerous sale of these goods.
"Illegal tobacco poses significant risks to public health, as its ingredients are not known or regulated and may contain higher levels of harmful chemicals. As part of Walsall’s Tobacco Control Plan, the council continues to work to reduce tobacco consumption, enhance local regulation and enforcement, prevent residents from starting and enhance stop smoking services to target those in greatest need. “
Residents are urged to report any information about the illegal sale of cigarettes, vapes, alcohol or counterfeit goods. Information can be passed to police by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team continues to carry out intelligence-led enforcement activity across the borough to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses and keep communities safe.
ENDS
