Nearly one million illegal cigarettes seized in Walsall’s largest ever tobacco find
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Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team has seized nearly one million illegal cigarettes in what is the largest tobacco haul ever recorded in the borough.
The seizure took place on Tuesday 22 April following an investigation into a break-in at a storage unit in Walsall. Officers uncovered a large container within the unit packed with boxes of illicit tobacco.
A total of 950,880 cigarettes were recovered, with an estimated retail value of £760,000. Goods seized will be held while investigations continue.
A spokesperson for Walsall Council said, “This seizure highlights the scale of illegal tobacco activity and the need for continued enforcement. Removing these products from circulation protects both public health and legitimate businesses. Work is ongoing to identify those responsible.”
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.
The operation adds to wider enforcement work delivered through Operation Fearless. Since its launch in January 2026, the initiative has led to the seizure of over £100,000 worth of illegal goods through targeted activity across the borough.
As part of the Op Fearless work, a secret room was discovered in February, unveiling a £70,000 haul of illegal tobacco and vapes.
Further action will continue as part of efforts to tackle illegal trade and safeguard communities.
ENDS
