RETAIL premises across the Redcar and Cleveland region have been searched by officers from RCBC Trading Standards team as part of Operation CeCe, a National Trading Standards and HMRC operation to tackle the supply of illicit tobacco and cigarettes.
The one-day investigation covered both urban and rural areas in the borough. Cleveland Police assisted Trading Standards on this day of action.
The team was accompanied by the multi-award winner dog handler, trainer and instructor, Stuart Phillips and his team of six detection dogs, and two puppies in training. Stuart is well known for the trained dogs he has provided to law enforcements across the UK, locating in total over £16 million-worth of illegal tobacco and cigarettes.
With the help of the four-leg investigators, 4880 cigarettes with the value of £2196 were seized together with £1909.2 worth of Hand Rolling Tobacco. In addition, counterfeit wine was also seized from one of the premises visited.
Further actions will be taken against the premises where the tobacco and alcohol were found.
Cabinet member for Health, Housing and Welfare, Cllr Steve Kay said: “I would like to thank our Trading Standards team and the police for the fantastic work they've done identifying and intercepting this trade in illicit tobacco and cigarettes.
“The illegal trade in tobacco is a crime which will not be tolerated or treated lightly in our borough, not only because it affects businesses trading lawfully, but also because it puts the health of our residents in danger."
Inspector Neil Deluce, from Redcar & Cleveland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our neighbourhood team was on hand to offer support to this operation and we will continue to work closely with our partners on operations such as this in the future."
Wendy Martin, Director of National Trading Standards, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. The National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HRMC is playing a significant role in disrupting this illicit trade and is helping to take illegal tobacco products off the streets."
To report the illegal trade of tobacco, please access the following website Home | Keep It Out (keep-it-out.co.uk)