Two million fake cigarettes seized in crackdown

Two million illegal cigarettes have been seized from multiple businesses in Hull so far this year.

Hull City Council's tobacco control team has also confiscated thousands of tobacco packs and vapes, it said.

It worked with Humberside Police and detection dogs to find fake products in hiding places such as behind a mirror, under a drain and in a chute.

Councillor Charles Quinn said: "No matter how smart those selling and distributing think they are, their tactics and hiding places can and will be exposed."

Last month alone, officers recovered 239,280 cigarettes, 8,856 packs of tobacco and 3,397 vapes.

A single operation targeting a major distributer found illegal products worth approximately £100,000.

Signs of fake tobacco include no health warnings on the packet, unusual brand names and reduced pricing.

Counterfeit products seized by the council did not meet safety standards or fire safety measures.

Quinn added: “Illegal tobacco isn’t just a cheaper option, it’s a serious problem.

"In addition to the risks posed by the total lack of regulation, the lower price prevents people quitting and targets children and young people."

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