Police and council teams in Kent have carried out a major crackdown on illegal tobacco operations across Thanet and Folkestone. Working in partnership with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Kent Police, Thanet District Council, and Folkestone & Hythe District Council, officers targeted six shops as part of the nationwide Operation CeCe.
With the assistance of specialist search dogs, officers uncovered illicit tobacco concealed in secret compartments within five premises. The haul included 30,540 cigarettes, 14 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco, 247 shisha pots, and 79 illegal vaping devices.
In addition to the tobacco products, a tampered electricity meter bypass was discovered, and possible immigration offences are currently under investigation.
Clive Phillips, Operations Manager at Kent County Council Trading Standards, said: “We’re using every tool to disrupt this illegal trade. It undermines honest businesses and fills criminal pockets. We’re committed to protecting Kent’s residents and businesses.”
He urged the public to report suspicious shops anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or visiting stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk, warning that cheap illegal tobacco makes smoking easier for young people and those trying to quit.
PC Tristan Foster of the Kent Police Thanet Community Policing Team added: “Illicit tobacco isn’t victimless. Besides health risks, it funds organised crime — from terrorism to modern slavery. We will keep seizing goods and shutting down these operations.”
Cllr Stuart Peall from Folkestone & Hythe District Council commented: “This operation proves the importance of partnership work. Citizens spotting illegal trade should report it to Kent Police or Crimestoppers.”
Cllr George Kup of Thanet District Council said: “These raids are a clear warning to businesses flouting the law. Illegal tobacco hurts honest shops, evades tax, feeds underage smoking, and supports crime networks. Thanks to our partners and the public for helping fight back.”
Wendy Martin, Director of National Trading Standards, stated: “Illegal tobacco damages communities and honest traders. In just one year, Operation CeCe removed 13 million illegal cigarettes, 4,300 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco, and nearly 110 kilograms of shisha. We’ll keep hitting these criminals hard.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
