Visits were carried out at a number of off licensed premises, where a substantial quantity of illicit cigarettes were found and seized by Trading Standards who will lead in the investigation and enforcement action. In addition to the illicit tobacco seized, officers located a large quantity of cannabis within one of the premises. East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team officers arrested a male at the scene, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis a ‘Class B’ drug. The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Sergeant Porritt of Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “ A significant amount of work has been ongoing with partner agencies in Harehills to make the area safer in recent months, inclusive of targeted action to address anti-social behaviour, street drinking, drugs supply and illegal business activities. Today was a successful day of action, with a significant amount of illicit tobacco seized by Trading Standards and we have disrupted offenders by taking drugs off the streets of Harehills. We welcome the opportunity to work with our partners to remove unsafe, illicit and illegal goods from our communities. We will continue to work with partner agencies to address complaints and information provided by members of the public, so we can make our communities safer for all.” If you have any information in relation to anti-social behaviour, drugs supply or any illegal activity you can report by calling 101 or online at: www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you need to report a trader selling cheap and illicit tobacco please contact the Illegal Tobacco Hotline on 0300 999 0000 or report it at Anonymous Reporting | Keep It Out (keep-it-out.co.uk)
