Over 23,000 illegal cigarettes, with a street value of £150,000 have been seized by Bedford Borough Council’s Trading Standards Officers, thanks to the help of trained sniffer dogs.
Officers visited two premises in Queens Park on Wednesday (27 September) where the illegal products were concealed in sophisticated hidden compartments within the shops.
The names of the businesses involved cannot be shared until formal action, such as a prosecution or licensing hearing, has been successful.
The specially trained tobacco detection dogs worked alongside Licensing Officers from Bedfordshire Police and the Borough Council’s Licensing Compliance team and nearly 20,000 cigarettes were confiscated during this operation.
These ‘rogue retailers’ are now facing the consequences of their illegal activities. In addition to the confiscated goods, these stores will also be subjected to further enforcement actions that could include prosecution, applications for the removal of their premises licenses that allow them to sell alcohol, and referrals to HM Revenue & Customs who can issue fines of up to £10,000.
This crackdown was executed under Operation CeCe, a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HM Revenue & Customs, aimed at curbing the illegal tobacco trade.
Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative), portfolio holder for community safety, regulatory services and housing, commended the Trading Standards Officers and law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
“Our community deserves to be free from the negative impacts of illegal activities, and this operation signifies our dedication to achieving that,” she said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”
The Bedford Borough Council urges citizens to assist in this fight against illegal tobacco.
If you have any information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco in Bedford Borough, please report it to the Citizens Advice Bureau at 0808 223 1133 or via email at EHadmin@Bedford.gov.uk.
