£120,000 worth of illegal tobacco seized in Walsall raids
Illegal tobacco worth up to £120,000 has been seized from six areas of Walsall.
Around 30 Trading Standards officers and sniffer dogs took part in raids targeting premises suspected of illegally selling tobacco and cigarettes in Caldmore.
The illicit tobacco seized in the three-hour operation on January 16 had an estimated retail value of up to £120,000 and would have sold on the streets for £40,000, Walsall Council said.
As well as removing dozens of tightly packed cases of Golden Virginia and Amber Leaf tobacco from the shops, officers also raided cars nearby.
And after forcing the car boots open, they found them rammed full of cases and sleeves of popular named brands including Marlboro Red and L&M cigarettes.
A number of potentially unsafe children’s toys were also seized during the operation, as well as bags and boxes of antibiotic medicines that had originated from outside of the UK.
Walsall Council said its Trading Standards team would continue to work with West Midlands Police and partner agencies to gather evidence and prosecute anyone who has been selling the cigarettes.
Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for community safety at Walsall Council, said: “Well done to all involved. This is an excellent start in disrupting the activities of these criminals and we will do everything in our power to bring them to account.
"Illicit and counterfeit tobacco is an absolute scourge to communities and a real threat to the health of Walsall.
"Non payment of tax on illicit tobacco also means less money goes to vital public services.
"The illegal trade seriously undermines our efforts to reduce smoking in the borough and protect children and communities from the harmful effects of tobacco.
"We are determined to crack down on this menace."
