COMMUNITY TIP-OFFS LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL RAIDS ON FAKE ALCOHOL AND CIGARETTES

TIP-OFFS from the public have helped a multi-agency operation seize nearly 2,000 fake cigarettes and more than 30 litres of vodka from the streets of North East Lincolnshire.

The operation saw trading standards officers and licensing teams from North East Lincolnshire Council team up with Humberside Police and HM Revenue & Customs in two successful raids across the borough.

The operation took place this October and is the first of many planned over the coming months. It is hoped that its success will send a clear message to those involved in the supply of counterfeit goods: those found guilty of selling fakes could be liable to an unlimited fine or up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Fake cigarettes and alcohol often contain very low-grade materials which have a detrimental affect on one’s health. Fake cigarettes have in the past been found to contain high levels of heavy metals including cadmium, lead and arsenic, which can cause kidney and lung damage, heart problems, fertility problems, dementia and a much greater risk of cancers.

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: "I hope this shows that community tip-offs will be followed through by the council and I hope it encourages others to come forward with more information. Anyone who suspects someone to be selling fake cigarettes or alcohol should report the matter to the council’s trading standards officers, and it is important to realise that all matters will be dealt with in the strictest confidence."

Cllr Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for health, said: "We know young people can become addicted to nicotine after just two or three cigarettes, which can lead them to becoming life-long smokers of a product that could cause the death of half the people who use it.

"By removing cheap and illicit cigarettes from the marketplace we can maybe ensure that fewer young people take up this habit."

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Clark, of Humberside Police, said: "It is vital that members of public report any suspicious activity in order for us to take relevant action against those who may be committing crime or be involved in the distribution of counterfeit items.

"In this instance, a number of counterfeit cigarettes as well as alcohol was removed from our streets following information received from the public which led to the successful multi agency operation which just goes to show that we will take positive action when the information comes our way."

Steve Hazell, spokesman for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "Cigarette and alcohol smuggling is not an innocent or victimless crime but one that encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals. The illicit trade has a devastating impact on legitimate traders who have to compete against these cheap and unregulated goods. People need to be aware that the majority of smuggled cigarettes are usually counterfeit and because they are unregulated you have no idea what they contain. Smugglers are criminals and they will sell cigarettes and alcohol to anyone, including children."

Anybody who knows of anyone selling counterfeit tobacco or alcohol should report the matter to the HMRC Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506