Warning over Illicit cigarettes in Weston-super-Mare

SMOKERS are being warned of the dangers of buying illicit or counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco from unauthorised outlets.

Last week, Trading Standards officers raided a car boot sale in Bleadon, Weston-super-Mare and two men were arrested for selling illicit tobacco. 

Both men have since been bailed, pending further investigations.

A quantity of  tobacco was seized, followed by a further seizure from the home address of one of the sellers. 

The items seized included over 1,500 packets of 'Richman' cigarettes and more than 70  50g pouches of Golden Virginia hand rolling tobacco which had a street value in excess of £5,100 and an estimated detriment to local businesses of some £7,800.

Peter Bryant, North Somerset Council's executive member responsible for trading standards, said: "The continuing work that Trading Standards are doing is essential in order to protect the public and legitimate traders alike, by removing such products from sale. 

"Legitimate tax-paying traders should not have to compete with people who sell unregulated, untaxed and smuggled goods which do not comply with current consumer protection legislation.

"Individuals who insist on selling such items can expect to be dealt with in the same robust manner. 

"I applaud the work of our Trading Standards team and would encourage residents to report anyone they know who is dealing in this trade."

NHS North Somerset praised Trading Standards’ continuing vigilance over the sale of unregulated cigarettes and confirmed that it, too, was continuing to tackle the issue of cheap and illicit tobacco trade as a matter of urgency. 

Fiona Miles, the Health Improvement Development Manager of NHS North Somerset, said: "Smokers are often unaware of the increased risks to health associated with smoking illicit or counterfeit tobacco as they are not regulated in the same strict manner associated with genuine brands and therefore go untested."

If you have any information on individuals selling illicit or counterfeit tobacco  contact Trading Standards on 0845 04 05 06 or trading.standards@n-somerset.gov.uk.