#TradingStandards | Illegal Tobacco and Vapes Seized

Long Eaton SNT officers assisted Derbyshire Trading Standards this week where a local shop in Draycott reported to be selling illegal tobacco and vaping products.

In carrying out the operation the following products were seized:

- 1.3kg of Hand Rolling Tobacco
- 5460 cigarettes
- 91 non-compliant vapes

Total estimated retail value – over £3000

Illegal tobacco can include counterfeit tobacco products that are a "serious risk to health" as some products have been found to contain harmful elements.

What is illegal tobacco?

* Counterfeit: these are illegally manufactured tobacco products
which are often made abroad, but sometimes in the UK. They are
sold cheaply and tax free and vast profits are made throughout
the supply chain including Organised Crime Groups

* Bootlegged: these are tobacco products which are purchased in a
country with a low level of taxation and illegally brought into the
UK, evading payment of tax.

* Smuggled: these are generally legitimately manufactured tobacco
products which have evaded payment of tax by being illegally
transported, distributed and sold.

Be Aware of Illegal Tobacco: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/site-elements/documents/pdf/business/trading-standards/business/be-aware-of-illegal-tobacco.pdf