Illicit tobacco and cigarettes worth £30k seized

Illicit tobacco and thousands of cigarettes with a combined retail value of more than £30,000 have been seized.

Lancashire Police and trading standards officers joined forces to carry out raids in Blackpool.

They discovered 2,391 packets of cigarettes and 519 pouches of tobacco at a shop in Bond Street.

While on Lytham Road, officers found 420 packets of cigarettes and 24 pouches of tobacco.

John Blackledge, Blackpool Council's director of community and environmental services, said: "Not only is it illegal to sell this tobacco but there is also a high risk of these products causing serious harm to the health of residents and visitors.

"I am delighted at the success of this targeted operation as it sends out a clear message of zero tolerance, and we will vigorously continue to disrupt the sale of these products.

"Appropriate enforcement action will be taken against anyone involved in the sale and supply of illicit tobacco."

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