Shops in Swindon were hit by a series of police raids that saw thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco seized. 

Last week  HMRC led a joint operation with the assistance of Swindon Trading Standards, South West Illegal Tobacco and Swindon South Neighbourhood’s Policing Team.

The operation, which also involved money detection dogs, focused on stores identified by HMRC and found £2,8000 worth of contraband in three vehicles linked to those stores. 

The enforcement focused on stores identified by HMRC and saw tobacco seized from three vehicles linked to the shops that were raided. Investigations are ongoing.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for health inequalities and housing, said: “It is important we continue to work closely with our partners to clamp down on this illegal activity because it is putting our residents at risk of serious harm.

“The ongoing cost of living crisis makes it more likely people will turn to illegal tobacco as it can be sold for as little as half the market price.

"Counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco have also been known to contain a mixture of lethal substances which are well in excess of the toxins found in ordinary cigarettes."

This is the latest in a string of raids, with the last one taking place in March where £81,700 of illegal cigarettes were seized from multiple Swindon shops

READ MORE: 100,000 illegal cigarettes seized in raids on four Swindon shops

Ben Hayes, Trading Standards' illegal tobacco regional lead added that members of the public often see illegal tobacco as a tax issue, but they overlook the dangers. 

"The sale and supply of illegal tobacco funds serious and organised crime in and around your community," he said. 

“All tobacco is dangerous, however, some illegal cigarettes do not comply with safety laws and fail to extinguish if left unattended.  This could increase the risk of a fire at home.

PC Paul Bezzant from Swindon South Neighbourhood’s Policing Team added: “This is a good result from our work with our partners to clamp down on the illegal tobacco trade in Swindon.

“Please remember that members of the public can help us in the fight against this criminality by reporting anyone they suspect of selling smuggled or counterfeit tobacco. They can report anonymously to Trading Standards at www.swillegaltobacco.info/report-it.”

Swindon residents are able to access a free Stop Smoking service by contacting 01793 465 512 or 07341 077530. Alternatively, send an email to swindon.stopsmoking@nhs.net