Massive tobacco raids hit Kent shops in crackdown on illegal sales
Joint forces from Kent Police, HMRC, Thanet, and Folkestone councils have smashed illicit tobacco operations in a series of dramatic raids. The sting was part of the ongoing national Operation CeCe targeting illegal tobacco sales.
Illegal Ciggies and Tobacco Found in Hidden Stashes
Armed with specialist search dogs, officers stormed six retail premises across Thanet and Folkestone. They uncovered hidden stores of illegal tobacco in five of those locations, including:
- 30,540 cigarette sticks
- 14kg of hand rolling tobacco
- 247 pots of shisha
- 79 illicit vapes
These products were cunningly concealed behind sophisticated hideouts, only revealed with the help of detection dogs. Officers also found a tampered electricity meter and potential immigration violations, which are now under investigation.
Officials Warn: Illegal Tobacco Fuels Crime and Harms Communities
Clive Phillips, Operations Manager for Kent County Council Trading Standards: “We will work with our enforcement partners using all available tactics to disrupt this illegal activity. The sale of illicit tobacco undermines local legitimate businesses and puts money into the pockets of organised criminals. We will do everything in our power to protect the safety and rights of the residents and businesses of Kent.”
“Illicit tobacco also makes smoking cheaper for young people and those trying to quit. If you spot illegal tobacco sales, report anonymously on 0300 999 6999 or visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.”
PC Tristan Foster, Kent Police Thanet Community Policing Team: “The sale of illicit tobacco is no victimless crime – besides health risks, it funds organised crime, including terrorism and modern slavery. We will continue to seize goods and disrupt criminality linked to illegal tobacco.”
Local Councillors Back Tough Action
Cllr Stuart Peall, Folkestone & Hythe District Council: “This operation proves how vital it is to ensure local shops meet trading standards. We urge anyone aware of illegal activity to report it to Kent Police or Crimestoppers.”
Cllr George Kup, Thanet District Council: “We’re fighting hard against cheap, illegal tobacco. These raids send a clear warning to businesses trying to dodge the law. Illegal tobacco damages businesses, avoids tax, supplies underage smokers and feeds organised crime. Thanks to all partners and the public for reporting illegal sales – please keep it up.”
National Trading Standards Praise Operation CeCe
Wendy Martin, Director, National Trading Standards: “Illegal tobacco trade harms communities and honest businesses. Since the launch of Operation CeCe, we’ve removed 13 million illegal cigarettes, 4,300kg of hand rolling tobacco, and nearly 110kg of shisha products. Our partnership with HMRC continues to disrupt this illicit trade effectively.”
The crackdown highlights authorities’ determination to hit illegal tobacco dealers hard—protecting businesses and communities across Kent.
